Aftermarket waterpump?

[jeepdad]

Dumb question here from a mechanical dummy: how do you know when the water pump is failing?

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by jeepdad

Dumb question here from a mechanical dummy: how do you know when the water pump is failing?

I'll let other chime in about leaks and noise coming from a failing pump. What concerns me more is the silent killer, the plastic impellers that can break off and clog the system creating hot spots and cracked heads. I have a 14 year old pump with 25,000 miles on it. The preventative maintenance side says to change it now or risk disaster. I am leaning towards doing it sooner than later.

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by Chuck W.

I'll let other chime in about leaks and noise coming from a failing pump. What concerns me more is the silent killer, the plastic impellers that can break off and clog the system creating hot spots and cracked heads. I have a 14 year old pump with 25,000 miles on it. The preventative maintenance side says to change it now or risk disaster. I am leaning towards doing it sooner than later.

One sign is a small leak from the bearing. Mine had it when I bought my car at 41k. I'm guessing once it makes noise your at risk.

I'd change yours simply because it's 14 years old. The relatively low miles is at this point less meaningful. It been in use for 14 years as it it's exposed to coolant 24/7.

One thing no one has mentioned is how often they replace the coolant. This must certainly has an impact on the longevity of the water pump.

[Chuck W.]

Originally Posted by Porsche9

I'd change yours simply because it's 14 years old. The relatively low miles is at this point less meaningful. It been in use for 14 years as it it's exposed to coolant 24/7.

One thing no one has mentioned is how often they replace the coolant. This certainly has an impact on the longevity of the water pump.

Great points. Water pump, gasket, low temp thermostat and new coolant. I'll order them up today.

[jotoole]

water pumps w/metal impellers. opinions?

[Porsche9]

Originally Posted by jotoole

water pumps w/metal impellers. opinions?

No. When these go bad they have a habit of causing damage to the engine block. Damage that sometimes can't be fixed.