How is the water pump powered?

• A. It is driven by a belt or chain.
• B. It is driven by a timing belt only.
• C. It is driven by alternator.
• D. It is hand-cranked.

Answer: (A)

The water pump is driven by the engine’s accessory drive system, meaning a belt or chain connects the pump pulley to the crankshaft. As the crankshaft turns, the belt or chain spins the pump, circulating coolant through the engine and radiator to keep the engine from overheating. In some engines the pump may be driven by a timing belt/chain as part of the timing system, but the essential idea is that the pump runs off the belt/chain driven by the engine, not by the alternator or by hand cranking.