Water Pump

[bigcountrysg]

Well today I noticed a sweet smell. You know the typical smell of hot antifreeze. My engine temp gauge was normal. But when I went to check the coolant level the surge tank was bone dry. I noticed that there was antifreeze stains around the water pump. Which leads me to think the water pump has finally started to leak. Hey the stock one lasted me 173,000 miles so I can't complain about that.


So this is what I was thinking. New one from Napa is 114 dollars. Remove old pump put new pump and thermostat in. I figured I am in there I might as well replace the original thermostat. I also am going to replace the belt since it shows wear.

I planned on flushing out the coolant system as well.

The surge tank was not pressurized and there is no water in the oil. I also have not heard of any head problems on the 7.3L so I am not even looking at that route. Plus with my mods I doubt that is my problem. With all the signs around the water pump I am going with that is leaking and needs to be replaced.

[97 golden stroker]

you should go with ford parts on the water pump. me and my dad changed the stock one out a 130k or so with a napa one on a vactation rv park in san diego and by the time that we got home it was leaking. so we thoght that maby we didnt clean it all or we didnt put the gaskets on right so napa gave us a new one and the truck sat for like a week and about 1k later leaking. so at that point we got one from ford and 70k or so later no leaks!

[bockhold]

my ford wp that i bought last month was like $280

[cchase]

I put a napa one on mine, its been fine. I would put that 203therm, on it. I think its more then safe to say you dont have head problems. its not that bad of a job, took me like 45 minutes

[layson]

I just bought the cheap northern tool one... it was less than a hundred bucks. So far so good!

You can also get them from Ford Parts and Ford Diesel Parts at Powerstroke Shop they have a decent deal on them right now...

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by layson

I just bought the cheap northern tool one... it was less than a hundred bucks. So far so good!

You can also get them from Ford Parts and Ford Diesel Parts at Powerstroke Shop they have a decent deal on them right now...

Yes but that means I have to order it, then wait for it to get here. Which means I would have to do it on the weekend, which means I would not get to go deer hunting.

So I am better off to do it tomorrow morning before work with either autozone or napa parts. Both are life time warranty. The napa one is cheaper then the autozone one though.

[bigcountrysg]

Originally Posted by cchase

I put a napa one on mine, its been fine. I would put that 203therm, on it. I think its more then safe to say you dont have head problems. its not that bad of a job, took me like 45 minutes

It took you 45 minutes to replace yours. You did not remove the radiator. Was it easier to get it from the bottom of the truck or from the top.

[FORDDIESEL2000]

Originally Posted by bigcountrysg

It took you 45 minutes to replace yours. You did not remove the radiator. Was it easier to get it from the bottom of the truck or from the top.

MINE DID THE SAME THING BUT IT HAD SMALL DRIPS SO I HAD TO REPLACE MINE

[chappy]

if you were a little closer I would give you a hand but your a little over an hour away from me and I don't work in Ann arbor any more

[NCHornet]

NO Don't remove the radiator!!!
First let me say to those thinking they are getting a better part by going to Ford!! The WP sold by Northern is made by the same exact company that made the stock unit, and it is a very good unit!! The reason why the WP's go out is the sand in the coolant. So here is my advice take it for what it's worth.
While you're doing it, do the proper coolant flush, PM me if you need directions without removing block plugs. Use a true ELC coolant that meet the EC-1 rating, Install coolant filter, Change upper rad hose to one that goes over the fan belt rather than through it, Change the thermostat ( not the 203) just get the 195 from Ferd. About 85% of the time the original thermo housing won't reseal, when you get it off you will see why. Powerstrokeshop.com sells the housing for under $20, make sure you get the O ring for the base of the thermo housing. This is all included in the WP from Northern, as well as the O ring for the coolant temp sensor, but I reused mine no problem. Also check belt, belt tensioner and lower rad hose.
It's up to you where you buy the parts from and how much you want to spend. If you rent the fan wrench set from AZ make sure it has a 1 7/8" wrench, I didn't and got it all torn apart only to find out I didn't have the right wrench. It will greatly help to have two people here, my buddy held the pully from underneath and I got the nut from the top. If you have a air chisel just hit the nut on the downstroke and it will spin right off.
PM me with any ? If you don't want to do this again in a few months it is better to wait and use quality parts and make sure you have everything you need. But when the woods call....!!

NCH