Water Pump / Timing Belt Replacement

[aaronsbiza]

It's time to replace the ol' water pump. I have searched the archives and learned quite a bit, however I am still confused on a few things... I am not sure if I should go with the Cardone or the Motorcraft. I am leaning towards the cardone, but I would like to hear how others like the cardone. I also read that the cardone is only half of the unit. Could somebody please elaborate that statement? Do I need any specific gaskets? Regarding the timing belt, rock auto doesn't have the Gates brand anymore, just AC Delco, has anyone had any experience with the AC Delco Timing Belt? Are the white marks on the AC Delco for lining it up with the cams and crank? Should I replace anything else while I'm tearing into the pump and timing belt?

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

aaron,

The A-1 cardone pump is a good remanufactured lifetime warranty pump that you can install with confidence. As to it being half the unit, the front portion of the pump comes off the car and has the shaft and impeller, the back half of the pump stays on the car.

While you are in there, replace the CPS (crankshaft position sensor (about 35.00 at autozon). It is the reason most sho's are stranded on the side of the road and should be replaced every 60k).

Also consider replacing the crank seal: it is 8.00 at the dealer and is a snap to do if you are already in there and you are leaking oil from under the crank.

If the accessory belt looks worn, replace that too:


As to the Gates belt, I have a Gates, but being AC Delco is the Motorcraft of GM, I would not hesitate to use that either. There are other sources for the belt though: You can get it directly from Gates, or try O'reily's. I bought mine from the local ridge and cramer which was a surprise as they are a small outfit where I am.

 

[aaronsbiza]

My water pump is leaking from the back, which I believe is most likely the o-ring, does this gasket come with the Cardone?

 

[sdpatt]

No. The A1Cardone pumps come with the pump case gasket to replace the one that will be trashed when the pump case is separated. You should get the Fel-Pro ES70425 gasket set from RockAuto.com or local auto supplies for about $5. This set includes another case gasket along with O-rings for the two pump outlet paths (usually a spare crossover tube ring is provided) and a rarely used inlet tube ****** gasket (the only reason to replace this one is if you swap the entire pump).

 

[FBG]

If you haven't ordered your parts yet, don't give up on the Gates timing belt. When I was looking for parts for my front 60k last month, it didn't show up on Rockauto's site, either.
Luckily, Rockledge replied to my inquiry about the timing belt and suggested I search for the part# t248. I did and was able to find the timing belt listed on their website that way. I just checked and it's still listed, if you do a search for the part#.