New Water Pump?
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
That is not a guarantee that nothing is going to happen. I'm from the school of if it isn't broken, don't fix it. I would check belts and hoses visually for cracks etc. and maybe put some water pump lube in radiator although I've never used any. If you have no elect. issues, I wouldn't change the alt either. This is only my opinion, but if you need peace of mind.....
Postmaster
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4,452
Likes: 1
From: Southern California
Hi Jack:
Glad I didn't have to say that on an airplane
Crawl under the van and look up at the water pump from below. You should see a small weep hole on the water pump and make sure there is no leak from there. Also, grab the fan and shake it a little to see if the water pump bearing is still good. If everything checks out OK, the pump doesn't make noise, the van doesn't overheat, and you are not losing coolant, there is no need to replace it.
And last but not least, welcome to our FTE forum
Glad I didn't have to say that on an airplane
Crawl under the van and look up at the water pump from below. You should see a small weep hole on the water pump and make sure there is no leak from there. Also, grab the fan and shake it a little to see if the water pump bearing is still good. If everything checks out OK, the pump doesn't make noise, the van doesn't overheat, and you are not losing coolant, there is no need to replace it.
And last but not least, welcome to our FTE forum
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 882
Likes: 0
From: Wichita
I agree. Try to spin the fan by hand too. There should be some resistance if the fan clutch is working properly.
If you haven't changed your coolant in a long time, a fresh new 50/50 mix would be a good idea.
If you haven't changed your coolant in a long time, a fresh new 50/50 mix would be a good idea.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,720
Likes: 5
From: Washington state
take the belt off the alternator...spin pulley...should be smooth and quiet...bearings are the failure point unless someone has used the rig to jump start with cables...then rectifier pack or regulator can be damaged and give out unexpectedly
spin water pump while belt is off....should be quiet and smooth\
reverse flush the coolant system with hose
OEM factory alternator will last 200k with loving care and protection from jump starts and weak batteries
how old is battery? take to auto parts house...most will load test for free...batteries get a workout on vacation...long hot road hours with lots of electrical use
go over the brakes...pull all 4 wheels off and examine brake slides, caliper seals, pads, rotors for smoothness and rough spots, brake shoes and drums...lube with high temp brake lube the caliper slides and rear shoe slide points on backing plate...replace any questionable parts...flush all old brake fluid
brakes get a workout on vacation...sudden stops and unfamiliar roads
spin water pump while belt is off....should be quiet and smooth\
reverse flush the coolant system with hose
OEM factory alternator will last 200k with loving care and protection from jump starts and weak batteries
how old is battery? take to auto parts house...most will load test for free...batteries get a workout on vacation...long hot road hours with lots of electrical use
go over the brakes...pull all 4 wheels off and examine brake slides, caliper seals, pads, rotors for smoothness and rough spots, brake shoes and drums...lube with high temp brake lube the caliper slides and rear shoe slide points on backing plate...replace any questionable parts...flush all old brake fluid
brakes get a workout on vacation...sudden stops and unfamiliar roads
Former ******
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,901
Likes: 2
From: Salt Lake City, Utah
I would not worry about replacing the water pump unless there is seepage from the weep hole. When you change you coolant, make sure you mix it with good pure mineral free water, such as distilled or RO water. If you do not have cost effective access to good water like this, buy premixed antifreeze instead. If you keep your system free of mineral deposits, your hoses, water pump, radiator, and heater core will last much longer and work better.
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 996
Likes: 0
I agree with Khanty. I have never been able to predict failures. One can build a case for replacing all accessories at 120 k but it still is tough and expensive replacing things before they actually quit. One can replace all front of engine accessories and be stopped on vacation because of a bad fuel pump. You can replace that too before it fails and be stopped by a steering rack failure, etc,
It is just one of the problems of driving an older vehicle. But there is also a certain pleasure of driving an older vehicle in good condition too. This is certainly something we all enjoy here.
My brother used to carry a fuel pump in his trunk all the time. Never needed it but his p/s hose failed. See what I mean?
Ken
It is just one of the problems of driving an older vehicle. But there is also a certain pleasure of driving an older vehicle in good condition too. This is certainly something we all enjoy here.
My brother used to carry a fuel pump in his trunk all the time. Never needed it but his p/s hose failed. See what I mean?
Ken
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New User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thanks to all. I've replaced radiator hoses, coolant, and pressure checked the system. I also replaced the serpentine belt. I'll use the suggestions. This forum has been very helpful in the past!!
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