New water pump

[DynaGlide]

I've noticed lately that I have had a coolant leak under my truck when I park it after driving. At first it wasn't that bad; just a few sprinkles on the ground. Now, however, it is getting to where I have a rather sizable puddle (5") on the ground. I've been adding coolant every day to keep up with the leak.

I got it up on the ramps again today, determined to find that pesky loose/cracked hose. I got underneath the truck and cleaned all of the wetness off. Then I took the truck for a drive, and pulled it back up on the ramps. I found that coolant was spattered over a large area underneath, including up onto the tranny pan, crossover pipe (?), and other nearby parts. I'm almost certain that it's the water pump that needs replacing.

Now comes my question part: I'm looking online and am seeing several options for a new pump. I see a couple different OE replacement pumps, a heavy-duty pump, and a high-perf pump. Is it worth my money to spend the extra cash to get other than a direct replacement? If so, should I shoot for a specific brand?

I'm kind of new at the whole "working on cars" thing. I have not really done anything major before on cars, so any help is greatly appreciated. I have tools, but not an extensive collection of them. And the only real place I have to work on my truck is in the driveway, on ramps. Is this something I can do myself? Or should I take it to a shop? I want to learn, but don't want to strand myself by breaking my daily driver.

Thanks in advance fellas.

 

[Trevor]

I just installed the Edelbrock part #8881 on my truck about an hur ago. Nothing bad to say so far...exact fit. It's a little expensive at $151.XX at Summit but it is one of the best.
http://www.edelbrock.com/automotive/waterpumps.html

You'll need a 1/2 NPT plug from a harware store to fill one hole in the pump.

If you go with a high flow pump you need to dump the poppet style thermostat (IE Stant) in favor of a "balanced" or Robert Shaw type T-stat like Mr. Gasket or Milidon sells via Summit. This type of thermostat will stay open even with a high flow pump at high RPMs. You'll need Fel Pro gasket #35062 for the stat housing.

No matter what pump you go with you'll need two Felpro gaskets part # 5152 for the two sides of the pump where it bolts to the block.

 

[DynaGlide]

Is this a repair I can do in the driveway in a day? I am mechanically inclined, but haven't ever done anything like this.

 

[Trevor]

Easily done in a day. I had time to do a buttload of other stuff on my truck today in addition to the cooling system revamp.

 

[myclone]

Is this a repair I can do in the driveway in a day? I am mechanically inclined, but haven't ever done anything like this.

You'll need:

10mm wrench/socket for upper fan shroud
9/16" socket for the water pump mounting bolts
13mm wrench for the fan to water pump nuts
Screw driver for the lower rad hose clamps
6 pack
Band Aids for knuckles

Two hours tops... Hardest part is cleaning the old gasket material off the block where the water pump mounts (wire brush in a drill comes in handy here). You'll also make a mess when you drain the coolant unless you get creative (like me ) and put an old 90 deg spark plug boot over the drain on the radiator to direct the coolant into a catch pan instead of onto/into the frame.

You can use either the edelbrock aluminum pump for reverse rotation applications (expensive but weighs nothing compaired to a stocker) or go down to your local chain store and get a pump for a 91 S-10 4x4 with a 4.3.

Tip#1. Replace the lower rad hose. It usually needs it since it sits right next to the exh cross over pipe. Just get one for the above mentioned S truck and shorten it a little on the radiator end.
Tip#2. Loosen the four nuts that hold the fan clutch on the water pump before you remove the serpintine belt. You wouldnt believe how many ppl I see fighting those four nuts and trying to hang onto the fan when all they hadda do was leave the belt on then loosen them. :-? :-?

 

[InvisiBill]

http://syty.net/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24423
Step-by-step, with pictures.

NAPA and AutoZone and all those stores sell a "standard" replacement for like $30. I'm sure it's not the best, but it works.

 

[ZMann]

Hey guys, will the upgraded water pump help with cooling issues in my sy? Reason I ask is because I have a 160 therm. in my sy and my coolant temps will often reach 195 degrees. And over 200 with a/c on.

ONe prob. with the cooling issue is my atr aux. ic and tranny cooler in front of rad.

Thanks

 

[DynaGlide]

Thank you for the valuable information. I think I'll try to tackle this my next day off. In addition to the Edelbrock pump, I'm considering these two pumps as an alternative to an OEM application...

Heavy Duty Water Pump
or
High Performane Water Pump

Should I even take the chance on either of these? Price is a factor in my choice. If it will be worth it cooling wise, I will spring for the Edelbrock one. I just want to know if it is worth it to buy something other than a direct replacement. I don't race this truck, and it is my daily driver. But I still want it to run like a raped ape out on the streets! :lol:

 

[jbone]

Re: New water pump

If you go with a high flow pump you need to dump the poppet style thermostat (IE Stant) in favor of a "balanced" or Robert Shaw type T-stat like Mr. Gasket or Milidon sells via Summit.

does anyone have a part number for the t-stat?? Right now I have a 160* t-stat, but I dont know what brand it is. Is it absolutely neccessary to buy a new high flow one?

 

[Don W.]

Re: New water pump

Believe it or not, getting the gasket off will go allot easier with a old, but hopefully reasonably sharp, wood chisel. Way cheaper and just as good as the gazillion $$ Snap-on gasket scraper.

 

[Quickstop [UK]]

Re: New water pump

what did you get in the end? how heavy is it if it was an Edelbrock?

any pics?

difficult install?

 

[Flyin Ryan]

Re: New water pump

how heavy is it if it was an Edelbrock?

If I remember right edelbrock pump weighs 8lbs where as the stocker weighs 12lbs. So your looking at a 4lb savings for $152 bills. I personally plan to pick one up when my pump dies and a set of braided lines from turbotime though.