I have to put in a new water pump and was wondering if I could get some advice/opinion on which ones to purchase. I live in AZ and was also wondering which thermostat works best for this environment. I saw a thread on this from some years ago and many recommended "Ed the parts guy" water pump, but didn't have any luck finding "it / him"

 

I went stock everything when I replaced mine last summer. No issues until it went bad, still none to date since replacing everything with OEM new, and I spend a lot of time towing or in rush hour in 105-110° summer heat.

 

OEM.

Water Pump OEM 7.3L - Riffraff Diesel Performance

OEM Motorcraft Thermostat 96-03 - Riffraff Diesel Performance

If you tow heavy, I'd recommend this one: Terminator 180ºF Thermostat - Riffraff Diesel Performance

Stewart

 

if you dont have filtration on the cooling system, I'd buy the Dieselsite water pump from the IH 444 with the built on filter. If you want to save $$ you could piece the kit together by yourself or get it from them as a complete kit.

 

If you are on a budget, Rock auto has them for about $80, but they are rebuilds.

 

I'm not a fan of that water pump, for no other reason other than I prefer the Ford OEM over the International OEM.

Coolant filtering is a good idea though, so I have this setup on my Ex: http://www.dieselsite.com/1999-2003f...ionsystem.aspx

Stewart

 

Stewart, I have the same one as you on my Ex, I just like the cleaner install of the IH one. Gonna give my current one to my dad and I'm gonna put the IH one on when I drop in my new motor. Just personal preference. I couldn't believe how much crap the filter caught when I first installed it.

 

Can't help with ebest. Live in NYS so heat is not a problem. I'd be fine with the IH because they had variation of the 7.3 that had some good power. I'm going to look into that filter.

 

looking at the diesel site filter and the OEM replacement with a filtration system... overall about the same costs once you add it all up... do want to just put on the 180degree thermostat though.. so much to do with this truck.. didn't need additional stuff to pop up while in the middle of other add ons..

 

looking at both set ups.. and will cost about the same in the end....

 

I have had the T444e pump on my Excursion for a couple years now. Not one problem. Filters are SUPER easy to change. Install was easy. I pieced my own together before Dieselsite decided to do the kit. Blows the OEM out of the water for durability and the convenience of the filter mounted in a place where it does not interfere with ANYTHING else.

 

Probably going to go with the 444 off of diesel site... hoping it will be on sale since they are having their holiday sale in a few days.. going to hold off til then.. just looks cleaner and easier..

 

I vote Motorcraft after replacing about 5 aftermarket one's in my truck and Ex. well worth the extra $$. On the bright side I can change 'em really fast!!

 

waited for the sale and got the one from diesel site.. we'll see how it goes..

 

It will go fine. Easy Peasy.

And, $305 is a great price for that kit assembled and ready to go.