Thread: water pump brand

neewb here with a new-to-me '08. replacing heater hoses, serp belt tensioner ( and the elbows) idler pulley plus system flush tomorrow and thought while im over there and have all that off it might be wise to put in a new WP. im lookin for recommendations on brands and not sure if what to look at or what to stay away from would be easier.
i did a search and see a lot of threads but didnt notice one talking about brands of pumps but maybe i missed it.

thanks for any insight.

I've been running a Murray (O'reilly brand) pump on my 3.8's for years and haven't had an issue yet other than just wearing them out. They seem to last quite a long time.

One thing I will mention is that make sure you have the correct torque specs for the WP bolts and also use a PTFE sealer on the bolts as some pass through water jackets. This will ensure you don't have coolant creeping around the bolts in the future. Also, IIRC the pump gasket on the 3.8 motor is a dry install so you shouldn't need any RTV on it. I used just a thin layer anyway to ensure any variations in the mating surfaces were sealed but that's it. No heavy bead needed. As long as both surfaces are clean and not gouged up (i.e.- the timing cover) then it should be a piece of cake.

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

Whatever the top brand is at napa, I forget the name but it's like $35-45 and comes with gasket and really good warranty.

napa sound like a plan. been gettin on a first name basis with the counter/parts man the last week as ive been going through basic tune up/maintenance stuff plus brakes,hoses,fluids, trans filter/lines, and all that good stuff thats needs maintaining.
thanks,fordman,too. i dont know if i would have caught that about the thread sealant. i also put a thin layer of RTV on most gaskets.

I think the AC has a better impeller design, may or may not make any difference.

More Information for ACDELCO 252693

Originally Posted by rottonj

I think the AC has a better impeller design, may or may not make any difference.

More Information for ACDELCO 252693

it would be intersting to see the impeller. i picked up a napa one-part#42097. napa box and branding and stamped "gates."

heres the impeller side

Originally Posted by Fivefingerdeathpunch

My previous job has been using Napa/Gates pumps for well over 10+ years without any major issues. It's a mass produced part so a failure every once in a while is going to happen no matter who's part you purchase.

agree with that. i used to set up,run, and repair screw machines. they'd kick out bad parts now and then and hard to tell when.