Water pump failed again?
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
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From: Fairfax VA
Water pump failed again?
I have a 2001 Coupe with 92,000 miles on it. I purchased the car at 75k, and replaced the water pump and belt myself at about 85k 2 years ago due to leaking fluid and squealing belt symptoms, and everything was good until this fall when it came back again.
Is it somewhat normal for the water pump to fail within 10k miles or do I have bad luck? Is there anything that could be causing the water pumps to fail? I don't want to burn up a 3rd one.
Is it somewhat normal for the water pump to fail within 10k miles or do I have bad luck? Is there anything that could be causing the water pumps to fail? I don't want to burn up a 3rd one.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,847
Likes: 795
From: Longview Texas
If your coolant is clean and you did not run the pump dry, there is not much you could have done to make a pump fail that quickly.
Was the pump you installed new or rebuilt? I hope you installed a new pump.
Was the pump you installed new or rebuilt? I hope you installed a new pump.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
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From: Fairfax VA
) separated from the radiator under heavy acceleration and pumped fluid everywhere... but the weeping/squealing was back long before that happened. 
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: RACELAND KY
What kind of job is it to replace a water pump? getting ready to have my balancer replaced. should I have the pump replaced at this time or can I just wait till I have problems. Car has 43,000 miles. Does the rack need to come loose for the water pump?
thanxxxx
thanxxxx
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 80
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From: Fairfax VA
I thought it was pretty easy, everything can be done from above inside the hood. The worst part is emptying the fluid, it gets everywhere. Might be harder if you have a pre-2001 since they have a paper gasket. I wouldn't replace unless you have a problem however.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca
Reminds me back in the late 70's when I had a 72 Dodge Challenger. It went through 3 "re-manufactured" water pumps before I bought a new one from the Dodge dealer and my water pump problems went away. If your buying water pumps from Pep Boys, Auto Zone or other discount parts stores, DON'T. It ain't worth your labor and time replacing them. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
Buy an LS3 water pump!!!! It requires a different/standard thermostat and thermostat housing. The pulley "bell" is smaller on the LS3, less rotating mass. The original water pumps on the LS1/LS6s were shared among several different cars with different belt layouts and that is why the pulley "bell" is so big. I've been running an LS3 water pump on my 418ci LS3 motor and no problems with 3500 miles on it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,006
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From: Cincinnati OH
Yep, I spent almost as much time trying to scrape all the old gasket off as I did with the removal/installation.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
But- to the OP, that seems an awefully low mileage to need another one. My OEM one lasted til 135k or so, and I only replaced it cause I saw a little bit of seeping. Figured better to be safe than sorry.
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,347
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From: Slidell La
Buy an LS3 water pump!!!! It requires a different/standard thermostat and thermostat housing. The pulley "bell" is smaller on the LS3, less rotating mass. The original water pumps on the LS1/LS6s were shared among several different cars with different belt layouts and that is why the pulley "bell" is so big. I've been running an LS3 water pump on my 418ci LS3 motor and no problems with 3500 miles on it.
The LS3 pump will exact fit and there is a new thermostat for this that does not have the thermostat built into the hose assembly?
The water pump pulley is smaller and the stock 99 belt will fit with a little more slack? PITA to replace mine due to being so short.
IF this is correct, do you happen to have any part numbers. thanks vettdvr
I have 85000 on my 99 and will probably need a water pump soon.
My water pump has seen some pretty high rpm's
