Water Pump Seals - What Causes Failure?

[Swaney]

Heya,

Looks like my water pumps seals have gone (but also could be a heater hose connection I guess) - the old pajero (MK1 2.5TD) is leaking huge amounts of fluid (almost empties the radiator in a day).

It started after 4x4ing trip one weekend (admittedly the truck got put on its side in a mud hole). Didnt catch it til the Monday when I noticed the oil pressure drop and temp sitting about 1/4 higher than it should of been. Luckily it doesnt look like it has popped the head gasket.

Thing is I had them replaced when my clutch was done about 10 months ago.

Is it normal for them to fail this quickly? What causes failure in them?

I guess I have given it some death 4x4ing and done a few water crossings that weekend.

Thanks

[MATT4U]

one word. Waimak!!!!