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There are two different style T'stats that were used on the C5. One is a housing with the T'stat installed in it and the other is a housing and separate T'stat. You need to know which one your car has. It is a function of the water pump itself and the two T'stat setups are not interchangeable if you want the seal to work and not leak:
There are two different style T'stats that were used on the C5. One is a housing with the T'stat installed in it and the other is a housing and separate T'stat. You need to know which one your car has. It is a function of the water pump itself and the two T'stat setups are not interchangeable if you want the seal to work and not leak:
Ok.... so I have a 2004 Coupe and based on my understanding from the above, it should have the new design where the housing and the tstat are not one piece. I also want to get a new water pump because mine is leaking. So i'm also assuming that all the new water pumps are the new design as well. So I should be able to order any new WP and a new tstat and I should be fine using my old housing.
Any recommendations on which WP to get? I am looking at the Gates 45002 or the ACDelco 252-846.
You need to look at what is on your car now. It was not beyond GM to assemble product with what ever parts they had on the shelf at the moment of assembly. PLUS, you have no idea what has happened to the car at the hands of previous owners. A new water pump will NOT come with the housing for the thermostat or the thermostat. NEW pumps will MOST LIKELY be the new design. Remanufactured pumps could be either since there are tens of thousands old design water pump cores out there. If your car DOES have the new design then you can reuse the old T'stat cover if you get a new design pump. If you have the old design pump then you CANNOT reuse the T'stat cover on a new design pump.
The first and second picture in post #5 show the NEW DESIGN T'stat cover and T'stat. The 3rd picture shows the old design T'stat cover and integrated T'stat. Very visible differences. So figure out what you have on your car so you know whether you will need to order a T'stat cover for your replacement water pump.
I have no preference of brand for a replacement pump.
Thanks again! I looked under the hood and I have the new design Tstat cover... it doesn't have that hook thing.
You need to look at what is on your car now. It was not beyond GM to assemble product with what ever parts they had on the shelf at the moment of assembly. PLUS, you have no idea what has happened to the car at the hands of previous owners. A new water pump will NOT come with the housing for the thermostat or the thermostat. NEW pumps will MOST LIKELY be the new design. Remanufactured pumps could be either since there are tens of thousands old design water pump cores out there. If your car DOES have the new design then you can reuse the old T'stat cover if you get a new design pump. If you have the old design pump then you CANNOT reuse the T'stat cover on a new design pump.
The first and second picture in post #5 show the NEW DESIGN T'stat cover and T'stat. The 3rd picture shows the old design T'stat cover and integrated T'stat. Very visible differences. So figure out what you have on your car so you know whether you will need to order a T'stat cover for your replacement water pump.
I have no preference of brand for a replacement pump.
So I finally got the chance to replace the pump today. I also replaced the AC belt while it was easy to do so. Waiting to get the serpentine belt in the mail to put that on.
Regarding the pump, what a pain to get the old red gaskets off. That thing was on there like no ones business! I had to scrape that thing off. I also noticed that in the process I put some scratches on the aluminum. I got some sand paper and filed it down a bit. Hopefully the new gaskets will seal well... I'm a bit anxious about it (how worried do I need to be here?). I used rubber bands to keep the gaskets and screws in place while wiggling the new pump in position. Then just cranked those screwed down tight.
As soon as I get the new belt I'll put that on and refill the cooling system with water and see if I have any leaks. If no leaks after a few days I will flush and put new coolant.
The new water pump seems to be holding up well so far, I am very happy and greatful for all the help!
I am paranoid about one thing though. I didn't use a torque wrench when I fasened done the pump. I'm worried that I over torqued the screws. I didn't put all my weight into them but I did use some force. I didn't feel anything funny though. How concerned do I need to be?
The new water pump seems to be holding up well so far, I am very happy and greatful for all the help!
I am paranoid about one thing though. I didn't use a torque wrench when I fasened done the pump. I'm worried that I over torqued the screws. I didn't put all my weight into them but I did use some force. I didn't feel anything funny though. How concerned do I need to be?
You don't. I've never used a torque wrench for water pump bolts. Going by feel is good enough for that.