Need opinions: Water pump, hoses

[zavetsky]

I am getting ready for a beach trip in September....

I was planning on reverse flushing/changing radiator fluid and then realized that I never changed the heater hoses.....

SO I bought those...

I also bought a 195 degreee thermostat and a new 16lb cap (the one on the truck is 7 lbs!! I am wondering why...)

Then I realized that I forgot that in the fall, at night, I get a few drops coolant from the weep hole (I think) on the water pump....I threw in a can of bars Leaks and thgat seems to have taken care of it, since I get no leaks in the summer so far.....

But, I dont want a water pump dying on vacation either....

So, I bought one of those......But now, after reading many posts on how its a PITA and you need a special fan tool, I am getting cold feet...the book says you have to remove the alternator and AC compressor.....(!!!)

The truck has 97k on her....its a 94 4.0....

Am I asking for trouble by fixing something that doesnt seem to be broken, or am I thwarting potential disaster by doing all this??

This is one of those things I want to do right, but I also dont want to ask for trouble......

Thoughts?

 

[FLYIN 5.0]

Hey Zavetsky, You don't need a fan tool just go buy one of those strap wrenches. They work great for changing
water pumps. You can buy them at Sears or any tool outlet store. Just make sure to get the big one so it will go around your pully.

 

[Glacier991]

I have a 92 with 200K and the water pump is fine. (yeah I know NOW I am asking for it). Carry it along as a "hot spare" but enjoy your vacation. And, FYI removing the AC pump means unbracketing it and moving it out of the way is all. With a serpentine belt, once it's out working on AC compressor and alternator are NOT a big deal.

Happy Exploring

Chris

 

[X~FACTOR]

Water pump does not brake easily. If the small leak bothers you then change it.

You got about a month before the trip. Change them all since you already got them. If you developed a problem, you have now until September to fix it.

Good Luck!

 

[zavetsky]

Well, I did it....

I decided to change the heater hoses and the water pump ), and figured I would do the thermostat and cap as well....

Well, this turned into a heater valve and a radiator as well.....broke the valve taking the heater hoses off (plastic was VERY brittle...surprised it didnt let go sooner!), and after I pressure tested the rad, I found a leak...The new valave had the vacuum unit facing the opposite way from the original but it all hooked up ok.....gotta watch for strain on that I guess....

Then, I found that the belt tension unit was "sprung",,,,ready to pop..that was $40......

So a $350 day.....

Well, it would have been another $300 in labor if a garage did it, so I guess I am ahead....

now, as long as no leaks pop up in the next few days I will be happy...<grin>

I *did * notice that it runs a bit warmer (going by the gauge) and it seems to "cycle" a lot more...ie gets higher on the gauge and then lower...then higher...then lower....anyone's do this??

The previous owner put a 7 lb cap on it, and the new one is 16......so we will see what affect that and the thermostat has.....

Also, I noyiced that my fan has a few cracks in it...do I need to worry?? SHould I be replacing THAT as well soon?? I would hate to ruin a new radiator with a bad fan blowing up....I wasnt sure how much cracking is ok/normal.....

SPen about 8 hours total including cleanup and 5 (yes 5) trips to the parts store(s)...so about 2 hours watsted there...so about 6 hours total......including a preflush of the entire system before I started ripping it down....

I hope I didnt start any new issues.....

Originally posted by X-factor
Water pump does not brake easily. If the small leak bothers you then change it.

You got about a month before the trip. Change them all since you already got them. If you developed a problem, you have now until September to fix it.

Good Luck!