C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

water pump questions

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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 07:10 PM
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Hi, I have a '92 with 90K miles. Is there a general "shelf life" for the water pump? Should it be changed as a preventive measure? What are the indications of it going--squeaky noise, drip, etc.? Thanks for any suggestions. Larry
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 07:40 PM
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It just depends on how often the car is driven. My low mileage LT1 water pump lasted less than 15k. My friends high mileage LT1 TA's water pump lasted 145k.
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Old Jul 18, 2007 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by larryabbott
What are the indications of it going--squeaky noise, drip, etc.?
There is a drip hole in the bottom just like in so many other WP's out there.

The danger is that the life of the Opti can end when the WP goes.

So...my 2¢ worth...

The water pump, Opti-spark, and plugs/plug wires are all interconnected because of where they are and how you get at them.

The first time you need to change any of the above items from the original factory part, change them all upgrading the opti in the process. Later on in the car's life, change those parts one at a time only as needed.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 09:22 AM
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94z07fx3 is right on the mark. Typically, there are two issues relating to water pumps. The seal goes causing a leak in one or two spots. normally, if the pump is bad coolant comes out from a small vent hole which is located on the bottom of the pum. The other area is from the seal aroung the shaft.
I have found that their really is not specific life of a water pump. Iwould suggest a quality brand when changing it out. It would also be a good idea to change out the other parts as recommend by 94z07fx3
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 09:38 AM
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Just keep an eye on the inside of the hood. When they start to leak, they sling coolant off the belt. A line of dried dirt is normal, a coolant colored line is a sure sign the pump is leaking.

Last edited by scranage; Jul 19, 2007 at 09:41 AM.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 11:44 AM
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I don't know if your year is similar to mine but when the pump went bad on mine it made a loud scraping noise. I could push on the WP pulley and there was lots of slop. It gave me plenty of warning by starting out with a very faint scraping noise so I had time to get parts ready.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 11:51 AM
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Mine crapped out at 41,000 miles. 96 vert. Easy to change. Good Luck!
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