Ford F-150: Water Pump Reviews
We review some popular water pump options for the Ford F-150, seek out popular opinions on them, and tell you which one is the best for your hard earned money.
This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014).
Water pumps are a small, and often overlooked, component of your truck's engine. But keeping your engine cool is one of the most important aspects of a proper running engine, and water pumps are an integral part of the process. They are constantly working, circulating coolant through the engine block and cylinder heads to keep things cool. Water pumps generally last a long time (from 60-90,000 miles). A good pump should last this long, and shouldn't leak or make any loud or unusual noises. Let's take a look at three popular water pumps among F-150 owners - the Meziere, Cobra R, and Duralast - as compared to the original equipment manafacturer (OEM).
Water Pump Comparison
 |
Meziere |
Cobra R |
Duralast |
OEM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $384 | $145 | $40 | $94 |
| Weight | 6.9 pounds | 2 pounds | 4.6 pounds | 4.6 pounds |
| Performance | 55 gallons per minute | 55 gallons per minute | 53 gallons per minute | 55 gallons per minute |
| Life Expectancy | 45-60,000 miles | 60-90,000 miles | 60-90,000 miles | 60-90,000 miles |
| Warranty | 2 years | 1 year | Lifetime | 2 Years |
Best Value: Duralast
Meziere
Price: $384
Weight: 6.9 pounds
Performance: 55 gallons per minute
Life Expectancy: 45-60,000 Miles
Warranty: 2 years
Meziere water pumps are quality products that have a great reputation and following. They are made mostly for performance applications such as the SVT Lightning, and can add a claimed 12 horsepower at the rear wheels while improving gas mileage by 1 to 2 miles per gallon. The online community agrees on the nice customer service from a company that stands behind its products. You will pay a premium for Meziere pumps, however, their electric pumps don't last as long as a standard mechanical pump. But for performance applications, they are reliable and efficient. Recommended if you are looking for performance.
Cobra R
Price: $145
Weight: 2.0 pounds
Performance: 55 gallons per minute
Life expectancy: 60-90,000 miles
Warranty: 1 year
A popular modification among F-150 owners is to swap the stock water pump with a pump from the Mustang Cobra R model. These pumps are made out of lightweight aluminum and made for high performance applications. Unfortunately, many who have completed this swap claim to actually lose horsepower over the stock pump. This is thought to happen because the Mustang pump must work harder in a truck application than the stock pump. The Mustang pump can get hot as a result and has a harder time shedding that heat. Cobra R pumps also have to work harder as they flow more, resulting in a net loss of power, at least in performance situations. Not recommended due to loss of horse power.
Duralast
Price: $40
Weight: 4.6 pounds
Performance: 53 gallons per minute
Life expectancy: 60-90,000 miles
Warranty: Lifetime
Duralast water pumps are inexpensive, reliable, and have a pretty good reputation among online community. And for most applications, they are all you need. Duralast stock style water pumps are mechanical, just like the one that came on your truck originally, and they have a long life expectancy with a good warranty. Unless you are running a high performance application, there is little reason or benefit that comes from running a high dollar electric water pump. Unless you just want one that looks cool and gives you more power. In which case, go right ahead. Recommended if you are looking for a decent water pump for a cheap price.
OEM
Price: $93.57
Weight: 4.6 pounds
Performance: 55 gallons per minute
Life expectancy: 60-90,000 miles
Warranty: 2 Years
Ford Part Number BL3Z-8501-A is an OEM Ford Engine Water Pump.
