How many of you are running the Airtex replacement?

I have read of one person using it and has had 10K without a problem. It's listing at just under $100 whereas most of the others I see are closer to $200 (and the OEM is closer to $300).

I've been SLOWLY losing level for a while now and figured it was either:

1. A small leak (haven't been able to spot any residue buildup)
2. My water pump on it's last legs (198K on the original)
3. A head gasket leak.

I was hoping for #1 and definitely not #3.

Yesterday (twice) I came out to my truck and found a puddle under the front (coolant) and I'm 99% sure that it's the water pump weep hole. I'm going to get a pump today or tomorrow and replace it this weekend and just wanted to find out what pump people are using as a replacement. The OEM pump lasted almost 200K, but it is considerably more expensive.

I'm also going to put a new Goodyear Gatorback belt and tensioner on there while I've got the fan off too.

As always, thanks for any recommendations and pointers...

 

Hey Brian,I am going to do the same thing soon.I will get the OEM pump from RiffRaff
Riffraff Diesel: OEM Powerstroke Water Pump
As far as the belt goes,I have read on here about some problems with the Goodyear belt,so will go with OEM as well.My only concern is which coolant to use,there is alot of differing opinions on this subject.Let us know how it works out.

 

Here is an OEM pump option that won't break your wallet as bad as getting it from the dealer.

Riffraff Diesel: OEM Powerstroke Water Pump

Edit: Dang your fast this morning Steve

 

Too much coffee

 

I have not read anything bad about the Gatorback, but I have heard some people complain about the Gates.

I will be using Zerex G-05 (Valvoline.com > Products > Zerex > Antifreeze Zerex > Zerex G-05® Antifreeze / Coolant). I flushed the system and put that in when I bought it 2 1/2 years ago and I haven't had a problem. My truck is a 2003 so I don't have to deal with the SCAs of the earlier years.

If anybody knows of a better coolant, please let me know since I'll effectively have the system drained when I replace the pump.

 

I stand corrected,must have my belts mixed up

 

when your doing the pump be sure to get the upper radiator hose for a dual alternator setup. It will allow you to change the belt without pulling the upper radiator hose.

I am using the Evans NPG+ coolant. It's spendy and I am not sure if it is really that much better than a good ELC but it is working for me. If you are not familiar with the Evans there is a ton of info to be had here and on the web with a google search.

As for the belt, I'm running a gatorback with about 120K and 3 years on it with no problems yet. It is not cracking or showing any signs of wear.

 

Glad to hear the Gatorback is doing well. I'm going to pick one of those up (my dad has one one his D-Max and likes it too).

Luckily I have dual alternators so I already had the hose that goes around the belt when I bought the truck.

I'll look into Evans tonight. Since I'm doing the belt and tensioner too, I may have to stay budget on the coolant. I'll have to check with the boss when I get home...

 

Ordered. One less pump on your pallet Clay!

 

Make that 2 less

 

Back to the OP, I'm pretty sure Airtex is the OEM manufacturer of our 7.3 water pump.