GKK

The Stewart Components water pump I had a shop replace in my 91 Vette 5 years ago, finally failed after 50k miles.

I bought a FlowKooler water pump from Summit Racing and replaced it myself since I didn't want to spend the $600 for the shop to do it again!...

I had the pump off in 1 hour 45 minutes but, it took over 4 more hours to assemble everything back in the correct order. Overall, it wasn't too bad, just a lot of things to unbolt and move out of the way.

Actually, start to finish was 8 hours including refilling/bleeding the air from the cooling system and cleaning my tools!...

I'm in Great shape but, now my legs ache and my lower back is cramping up!

Anyways, just wanted to report that replacing the water pump is doable but, just allow yourself plenty of time.




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WW7

Don't you miss the good ole days when all you had to do was remove 4 bolts, a couple hoses and the job was done in about an hour......I have removed most of the stuff on my engine to get as close to the old days as possible...I only have the A/C bracket ( without compressor) and 4 bolts to remove to get my water pump off, mine is now a 1 1/2 hour job .....Great that you saved $600.00, saving money makes it worth it.........WW

DanielRicany

I'm not too impressed with the quality of flow kooler. When I first put mine on it started leaking from the back cover of the pump because someone at their factory didn't tighten it enough. Then a few months later it started leaking again. I had to use silicon over the original gasket to get it to stop. Hasn't leaked yet.

However, the performance of the pump is incredible.

I have a 180 thermostat and yesterday on the parkway it was running at 175 degrees.

383vett

Good job, now you have the satisfaction of knowing the work was done correctly. Also, next time, it will take you half the time.

GKK

My cooling system must be functioning correctly because this morning, I removed the radiator cap and there was still pressure in the system from the day before!...

I liked the anodized impeller design on the FlowKooler and it was about the same price as the Stewart pump which is why I decided to try it. I hope it lasts for many many years!

I'm gonna take apart the stewart pump just to see what the internals look like.




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Tommycourt

Gooooooooood job!!! My back would have given out just getting the pump off let alone spending all that time replacing all the parts. I commend you on the job. Is there any chance should I have a failure of any sort that you could come over and work on mine. You can take a break anytime you desire (although not a long one)!!
Tommy

383vett

I'm sure he wouldn't mind. It's only a 12 hour drive between Norcal and Mesa.

AGENT 86

Just another reason to do the water pump delete mod.

GKK

Sure I'll help you, next time I'm in Mesa!...

Tommycourt

I could be wrong, but are you jesting me????
Tommy

mtwoolford

If you can, please post a photo of the stewart impeller. thanks

HAD2HAV2

GKK, you did pull the passenger tire off? It gets you closer to the problem and saves your back. Last Spring I just removed a FlowKooler water pump from Summit on my 88 and replaced it with a FMI cast iron pump. The bearing on the FlowKooler started to squeal when car was cranked after 5 years -5K miles on it. So far no problems on the FMI. Hope you fair better.
With the AC bracket in the way and uncoupling the fuel lines, the job hours add up. Remember to loosen the fuel cap to let off fuel pressure.

GKK

Yes, j/k but, I really would help you if you were in California!...







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GKK

No, but I removed the passenger side plastic inner wheel well panel which gave access to the bottom AC bracket bolts. Everything else was accessible.

GKK

I couldn't remove the Stewart pumps impeller because it looks like its pressed on but, it is a paddle style impeller with the back plate.

aklim

Book time is only 2 hours from my check up. Now if you are including your tab from the strip bar while waiting, that is another story. That was what they did in 2 hours when I just had GM do it. I didn't want antifreeze all over my floor and I wanted the coolant flushed. Winter time isn't the best time to do these jobs. Obviously, I watched them do it and drain the coolant, etc, etc.

aklim

I'm just curious what the $600 tab included. 2 hours of work, fine. Coolant, sure. Did they purchase the water pump or did you bring it in? If you brought it in coolant isn't that expensive. I brought my own Edelbrock pump, Fel Pro gaskets and coolant. Not to mention "The Right Stuff" as needed and it wasn't that much.

GKK

I can't remember exactly from 5 years ago but, the shop replaced both radiator hoses, thermostat, coolant and flushed the cooling system. I supplied the Stewart water pump.

2 hours book time might be for the early 84-87 Vettes but, 88-91 water pump replacements are a lot more involved and if I recall, the book time was 3.4 hours.

I paid more or less $600 as I recall back then. This is a family owned shop with an Awesome reputation that I've been using for over 25 years.




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1985 Corvette

My replacement water pump I got years ago from Ecklers when I was squirreling away parts has that exact impeller design. It is a claimed "high flow" pump with a supposed 25% improvement over stock flow rates. I wonder if that was true but I probably got duped.

GKK

Yes, water pumps with this impeller design are usually considered High Flow. Stewart water pumps are High Flow which is why it has the closed end impeller design.

Standard water pump impellers, use an Open End design.






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