Which action is NOT an appropriate response to an overheating pump?

Increasing the engine speed is not an appropriate response to an overheating pump because it can exacerbate the situation. When a pump is overheating, it indicates that it is working under stress, potentially due to inadequate cooling, blockages, or mechanical issues. Raising the engine speed would further increase the pump's workload and could lead to further overheating or even damage to the pump or associated components.

In contrast, circulating water can help cool the system by allowing a flow of fluid that may help dissipate heat. Shutting down the pump is a necessary safety measure to prevent damage, while discharging water can also help manage temperature by reducing the volume of fluid in the pump. Each of these actions aims to stabilize the pump's operation and prevent further overheating, making them suitable responses in such situations.