SOHC- How long does a water pump last?

[c_mccann]

'98 XLT, SOHC, 2wd, auto 82k easy miles. Idling high, and the temp guage is a little higher than normal. Water pump time?? Thermostat? What is the lifespan of a pump? I flush the cooling system every year- nothing funny there, all other fluids done per the Ford reccommendations.

 

[mrboyle]

I'd start with a t-stat. Water pumps don't typically cause overheating problems (unless they develop a leak).

 

[RickOTR]

Have you cleaned or replaced the IAC. Other things it could be include P/S pressure switch, vacuum leak, or bad TPS.