whats the quickest and easiest way to check if the water pump is working

 

take off the radiator cap. start the engine. wait for the thermostat to open. watch for flow.

 

I did that and i saw some swirling but since i just rebuilt the clutch i was nervous that i screwed the gear up inside putting it back together. I took the pump cover off and turned the motor over and it was working. anyway thanks

 

oh yea, I know what you mean. I had the same concern when I did mine. I would bet that you would allmost have to beat the cover on if the gears did not mesh right.