| The hose temperature info you were given was incorrect. The hot water comes from the engine to the top of the radiator. It cools as it moves downward and then goes through the lower radiator hose back to the engine. Therefore, the lower hose will always be cooler than the upper hose, though it should still be quite warm if water is circulating.
The water pump is driven by a belt, and if memory serves, is is directly behind the fan on this engine. That is, the fan bolts to the front of the water pump. I have never touched one of these and I don't have the e46 in the garage to look at right now. If you remove the water pump, you may have to replace one or more gaskets to be sure that it won't leak when you put it back. |