Water Pump leak

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Jan 1, 2022 | 11:41 AM

OldFord87

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Jan 2022

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Water Pump leak

I purchased a 1987 F-150 Lariat XLT about two years ago, and had no issues until last May, when the water pump developed a leak. I replaced it no problem and 3 months later it started leaking again, from the same spot. I am on my third water pump when once again as of yesterday it started leaking again from the same spot. It appears to be leaking from weep port, at a significant rate that drains the radiator. Does anyone know what could be causing this repeated leak to develop?

Jan 1, 2022 | 12:07 PM

f31951truck

Cross-Country

Joined: Jan 2015

Posts: 89

Likes: 5

From: Central New Jersey

Possibly a belt being too tight or and alignment issue with the serpentine belt causing the bearing to wear prematurely. Could also be bad pumps. Quality of aftermarket parts is hit or miss these days. Good luck.

Jan 1, 2022 | 01:37 PM

88n94

Cargo Master

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 3,118

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From: South Dakota

Were all 3 pumps the same brand?

Jan 1, 2022 | 01:47 PM

sandymane

Lead Driver

Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 6,185

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From: Houston/Sugar Land

A Motorcraft water pump is about $80.00. Almost double the price of other brands on ROCKAUTO. I would buy the Motorcraft and here is what you should do according to them to prevent premature failure like you are experiencing.

Cooling System Maintenance | Tips & ToolsWithout regular maintenance, cooling system components will degrade and fail prematurely, which can lead to costly engine damage. Protect your engine with simple preventative maintenance:

Completely drain and flush the system using Cooling System Flush prior to installation. Flushing the system is critical to prevent system contamination and failure.
Consider replacing the Radiator Hoses (and Hose Clamps), Thermostat and Radiator Cap as part of routine preventative maintenance. System contamination can cause these parts to degrade and fail over time, which can lead to severe engine damage from overheating.
Refill radiator with fresh Coolant / Antifreeze according to the volume and formula specified in your Owner's Manual. Inspect levels and condition every year.

Jan 1, 2022 | 01:48 PM

OldFord87

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Jan 2022

Posts: 7

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Quote:

Originally Posted by 88n94

Were all 3 pumps the same brand?

The first water pump was the original, but the two replacements were the same brand, a Carquest Premium waterpump from Advanced Auto.

Jan 1, 2022 | 04:16 PM

spurredon

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 32,061

Likes: 2,433

From: Upstate NY

The Motorcraft parts seem to have a better lifespan than the Chinese parts from other manufacturers. Two bad imported parts in a row is not super uncommon. My parts guy always says" save your receipt", and then chuckles as I walk out. Even the NAPA stores have been forced to buy lower priced parts to be able to compete for quite some time now.

Jan 1, 2022 | 08:34 PM

wwhite

Logistics Pro

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 3,570

Likes: 855

Last water pump I bought about 4 years ago was a Motorcraft from Rockauto, Made in Mexico.

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Jan 1, 2022 | 11:40 PM

Hit Man X

Lead Driver

Joined: Sep 2002

Posts: 9,564

Likes: 2,036

From: North Texas

Flowcooler makes solid pumps, just popped one on an L98 C4 last year. I have their old style on my '88 or maybe the Edelbrock high flow from forever ago...I forget as has been so long.

Jan 2, 2022 | 07:42 AM

#10

AuroraGirl

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2021

Posts: 5,221

Likes: 805

Ive gotten lucky with a partsmaster from auto value. no idea who made it. but so far, lucky.

Jan 2, 2022 | 01:06 PM

#11

2dwoods

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2019

Posts: 558

Likes: 109

I just did a pump six months ago now I see a leak at timing chain cover so coming back apart and might as well tap a new front main seal in while its apart ,moral of the story consider doing timing cover gasket while its apart if its been a while mines a 95 and I've never done chain cover

Jan 2, 2022 | 04:58 PM

#12

spurredon

FTE Legend

Joined: Jun 2004

Posts: 32,061

Likes: 2,433

From: Upstate NY

At least you shouldn't be busting those %"#^&! long skinny bolts since you have changed it recently!

Jan 2, 2022 | 06:30 PM

#13

2dwoods

More Turbo

Joined: Oct 2019

Posts: 558

Likes: 109

Quote:

Originally Posted by spurredon

At least you shouldn't be busting those %"#^&! long skinny bolts since you have changed it recently!

Yes sir been there done that

Jan 3, 2022 | 01:39 AM

#14

AuroraGirl

Lead Driver

Joined: Jun 2021

Posts: 5,221

Likes: 805

A long long long time ago i couldnt do this right becuase i was dumb as hell and had housings break like almond bark. then i didnt turn the pipe fitting enough out of fear of cracking it too. Then I used RTV to hold thermostat and the bead around it became more than it should. The water pump was actually my first WP and I actuallly succeeded well on first time surprinsgly no leaks

Jan 6, 2022 | 04:45 PM

#15

OldFord87

Thread Starter

7th Gear

Joined: Jan 2022

Posts: 7

Likes: 0

Thank you all for the responses and help. Replaced the water pump with a higher quality one this time so hopefully I don’t run into this issue again. All the help was much appreciated!