A few easy tests can determine if your Oldsmobile water pump is failing. Taking the time to conduct these tests can save you huge car engine repair bills, since a water pump that fails will lead to an overheated engine ....which in turn can damage the head gaskets and require major repair work. Coolant will leak out of the broken gasket, so pay attention to any spots under your car that appear after you have parked there for a while. To trace the exact source of the leak, ask your mechanic to conduct a pressure test on the coolant system. If you suspect the problem is in the circulation of the coolant system, see what happens when you start your car and remove the radiator cap. If your Oldsmobile overheats and you see now fluid moving through the radiator, then the problem can be either with the thermostat or water pump, which control circulation. To test if the water pump bearings are failing, check the pulley belt of the water pump. Take a hold of the ends of the pulley and see how loose the belt is. If there is any 'give' when you rock the belt around, then you will know that the pump bearings are deteriorated. At that point, it is time to replace your Oldsmobile water pump with a brand-name set that you can purchase here, and install yourself.