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Preventative Maintenence?

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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 09:13 AM
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Default Preventative Maintenence?

Okay, I have a 74 with 83,000 miles. Since it'll be 30 real soon, and I'm quite sure they've never been changed, do you guys think it would be a good idea to change the water pump, fuel pump, and starter. The water pump feels okay and I don't have any noise but this car set for maybe 12 years. I have been driving off and on for the pas two summers.

Should I change one or all of them or should I "if it ain't broke don't fix it"?
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 09:19 AM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Freepop)

.....do you guys think it would be a good idea to change the water pump, fuel pump, and starter....I have been driving off and on for the past two summers......or should I "if it ain't broke don't fix it"?
I vote to leave it alone, assuming it's a fair-weather friend. You can check the weep hole on the water pump for evidence of water - this is a nice early warning system.
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:30 AM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (mayberg)

[QUOTE
I vote to leave it alone, assuming it's a fair-weather friend. You can check the weep hole on the water pump for evidence of water - this is a nice early warning system.[/QUOTE]

Where is this weep hole located?
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:33 AM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Tominator)

It's been a while, but I believe it's towards the front on the underside of the pump.
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:41 AM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Freepop)

And if you break down in Ann Arbor I'll give ya lift. :thumbs: Fuel pump might not be a bad idea but they are a pain to get to. I had one just let go and spew gas all over the ground, scary! :eek: Waterpumps and starters will usually give you a fair warning before they up a quite.
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:47 AM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Fevre)

Fevre, very well thought out. I want to take a few more 2 hour or so trips but those are the things I was concerned with. You're right about the fuel pump, when the diaphram goes on that it's gas everywhere. I'd rather change it at home than on the road. Water pump or starter wouldn't bee quite as bad.

....and if it's near Ann Arbor, I'll give ya a yell...........and the same goes if you need some help towards the midle of the state (near Albion) :thumbs:
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:49 AM
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Default

How long have you owned the car? I would certainly change all the fluids, including the trans, brakes, rear end, p/s (if you have it), but the parts you mentioned I would leave on. I did change my fuel pump during a bout of paranoia when I thought I smelled fuel in my oil. :) MJ
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:56 AM
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Default Re: (MNJack)

I have had the car for about 8 years.
I have:
SS calipers and lines new master cyl with DOT 5 fluid
New SS gas lines
All suspension bushings including :cuss trailing arms
New rear bearings
new seals in differential and changed fluid
Tranny fluid, filter and rear seal
rebuilt the quadrajet
adj rocker arms (thanks Lars)

So the three I had mentioned are what I feel my "weakest links"


[Modified by Freepop, 10:03 AM 7/18/2003]
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 11:42 AM
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Default Re: (Freepop)

I didn't see it mentioned...most important part...timing chain...we have a nylon gear on ours...replacing water pump, themostat, fuel pump, & timing chain makes good sense, I would wait on the starter, it normally gives you warning before it goes...
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 11:47 AM
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Default Re: (mvftw)

That was another thing I was curious on. I wasn't sure if corvettes had a nylon gear on it like the other 350s.
My plan now, is to change the fuel pump now and do the timing chain and gear along with the water pump this winter. I only have about 2 months of driving left this year, around 1000 miles.
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 09:05 PM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Freepop)

I am a firm while your at it kind of guy,but try not to make work for myself. If you need to fix a leak and have to take the pump off,replace the hoses and belts too.But with only 80K on the clock if it aint broke,don't fix it.

Take the significant other out for dinner,so when you NEED to spend the bucks on the Vette,she won't give you the riot act. :yesnod:
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 09:11 PM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (Freepop)

Rip them all out and replace them with high performance ones! :D Fix it 'til it's broke! :thumbs:

Oh wait did I say that!?! :eek: I'm getting carried away now.

Just :steering: it and keep an eye on things. If they all seem to work fine now, leave them alone.
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Old Jul 18, 2003 | 10:01 PM
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Default Re: Preventative Maintenence? (isosceles)

Rip them all out and replace them with high performance ones! :D Fix it 'til it's broke! :thumbs:
:lolg: :lolg: That's what I'm doing costly :mad

I t will be worth it though in the long run :thumbs:


[Modified by evilsmf, 9:03 PM 7/18/2003]
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