So I am on my 3rd water pump in 75k miles.

What I am assuming what was the original OEM pump died when the water pump pulley split in 2 and wrapped the belt around the pump at 187k.

The guy I use when I don't want to work on the beast put an O'rielly's lifetime new pump on it. That lasted almost 2 years and 40k miles.

I put another O'rielly's pump on it in the fall of 16' when it started leaking on cold mornings.

9k miles latter the last pump decided to start squeaking and leaking on cold mornings again!!



So I am now putting on a factory pump that should be made of gold for the price I paid for it from the local dealer. It was almost 2x's the cost of a new aftermarket pump.

My question to the collective is...is my experience with aftermarket pumps the norm? Has anyone else had the same situation?

 

Not sure on your specific engine, but I used to own a cab company with about 20 Crown Vic's with 302's & 351W's. I put lifetime pumps, starters and alternators on them from Discount Auto Parts, and had pretty good luck with them. Occasionally I'd get one that would pack up on me quickly. Overall, They had pretty good quality, and stood behind the warranty. All the vehicles used the same pumps, starters & alternators, so the local store used to let me keep an extra of each on my shelf for middle of the night emergencies and carried them on their inventory. I guess my point is if you buy a quality re-man with a lifetime warranty, you're probably in pretty good shape. Key thing is to check your pulley alignment and belt tension. Pulleys out of alignment or belts too tight can cause you to eat rotating equipment bearings and the waterpump is generally the weakest link, followed by the alternator.

 

I bought NEW pumps and both died the same way! The 2nd one had under 9k on it...Not an acceptable scenario!

 

If your pulley alignment is ok and the belts aren't too tight, I'd be jumping up and down on O'Reilley's counter... Based on your original failure and follow ons I'd suspect a pulley alignment issue. Also may want to check the bearings and balance on your fan clutch. If it is running eccentrically it may be the root of the problem. The older clutch style fans seldom made it to 100K