Water Pump Rebuild Kits?

[cdmc12]

So I'm about to dive into the VOD in about a month, for a good cleaning and inspection, and I figure I should probably address the water pump while I'm in there. The pump has always worked like a champ, but In the name of continued reliability I feel like I should at least inspect the thing.

Now my question is if the pump fails my inspection (or if I'm feeling nice) are there rebuild kits out there, or am I stuck replacing the pump?

[David T]

You cannot properly inspect the pump to determine if and how much life is left. If ti is over 10 years old replace it. By the time you get the parts and pay to have it done in a press you are probably better off just getting a rebuilt or new one from your favorite vender. If you don't know what you are doing you can damage the kit and/or ruin the pulley.
David Teitelbaum

[cdmc12]

Hmmmm. Alright, that sounds like a big no. :)

Are the 4 bolt pulleys available anywhere? SpecialT has some good deals on pumps, but it looks like they don't have pulleys.....

[DavidProehl]

My understanding is that the pulleys on the water pumps are in very short supply. When I replaced my waterpump, I had to return my pump and pulley core. DMCH sells new waterpump kits with the pulley, I think you'll have to go that route.

[cdmc12]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought DMCH only had the original style press on pulleys. I mean, if I have to go that route, I'll happily return the core, but are there any available from anybody that isn't a press on unit?

[DavidProehl]

No, you are right, it is a press on pulley.

[dmc3130]

Maybe I'm mistaken, but I thought DMCH only had the original style press on pulleys. I mean, if I have to go that route, I'll happily return the core, but are there any available from anybody that isn't a press on unit?

I goy my pump from Specialty and it hade the pulley already pressed on. It did not come with the backing plate but all you do is remove the old one and move it over to the new. It did come with the gasket for the backing plate also. I also replaced all the hoses and clamps at the same time. A great time to do some cleaning when your in there. :rock_on:

[cdmc12]

I goy my pump from Specialty and it hade the pulley already pressed on. It did not come with the backing plate but all you do is remove the old one and move it over to the new. It did come with the gasket for the backing plate also. I also replaced all the hoses and clamps at the same time. A great time to do some cleaning when your in there. :rock_on:

WOW that's a clean PRV!!! Very nice!

And thanks for the tip about the pump too! That's a big help!

[DMCMW Dave]

DMCH just had the OE pulleys reproduced in the correct plated steel, and thats how the pumps are provided now (with the pulley already pressed on). I believe the core has been eliminated now too.

[DeLorean03]

I can vouch for both SpecialTAuto and DMC's kits. In 2004, I used SpecialTAuto's kit, and it was a great kit. After 9 years, I developed a coolant leak, and I had to replace my pump. Got my newer one (Feb 2013) from DMC-NW - same kit at all the DMC locations. Great kit - VERY thick waterpump backing gasket. To go the extra mile, I purchased a set of waterpump backhousing bolts - 8-sided bolts that you CAN actually get a ratchet on when you put the bolts back on the waterpump housing.

The kit from either vendor is worth its money. You get everything you need to swap out your old pump with a new one. When you swap your pumps, MAKE SURE you take the 19mm plug out of your old pump. It is at about a 1 o'clock position from the pulley.

[TTait]

Is there a good source for water pump back plates?

[DeLorean03]

Is there a good source for water pump back plates?

Boom shakka lakka!

http://www.delorean.eu/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=168056&cPath=&osCsid=d71287e8d9d9faa5fd1a3f5ea6d5ab21

[DMCMW Dave]

Is there a good source for water pump back plates?

I usually keep a couple in stock (from EU). Houton should have them as well but I don't think they are shown online. Not sure about the others, but they are available through the dealers. Sometimes you just have to call.