Welp, at 64K miles the Water pump is showing minor signs of leakage. Everyone is aware of the horror stories of the pump going and spitting coolant onto the opti creating a double whammy. Question is, should I replace the water pump now before this happens? I understand this seems like a no-brainer question but if I get to the problem soon enough will that ensure the opti stays functional? I don't want to have to tear the motor apart again because the opti goes for some other reason.

Thanks

Nick

 

well, you can do it two ways. if you think it has been leaking for sometime to damage the opti, wait until you can get enough money to afford both and do them at the same time. this will save you time on install because as everyone knows the opti's do fail not long after the waterpump starts to leak. if you have the funds, wait till your ready to do it and replace both at the same time. and if your goin to replace the pump look into the electric pumps. they're well worth the money. i have a meziere on mine and it is very nice, runs much cooler and coolant flush takes ten minutes without having to bleed the system. something else to think about.
mike.

 

Mike,

The car is running fine and I don't think the opti has any damage. From looking around, a price on a OEM replacement is around $140. I'd rather not have to buy a new opti (I heard they cost a few bucks). I was hoping to just replace the water pump and not have to worry about replacing the opti.

Do you recall how much you paid for your electric pump? I really dont have any major plans to the car as far as modifications. Just to drive it around.

Nick

 

You can just replace the water pump, but just make sure you don't take out the opti while your doing it. I replaced mine, got everything back together and the damn thing wouldn't start. Just take your time.