Water Pump Replacement what else?

During install of some 6112s the water pump was found to be leaking. I’m debating on doing it myself or having a local shop replace it. It’s a bummer because the truck is a 2008 5.7ltr only 67k miles but is what it is and hopefully it’s fixed and running good again soon.

Anything you all recommend I replace while it’s apart getting a new water pump?

I’m thinking might as well put a new serpentine belt and thermostat.

 

Maybe have the pulleys replaced as well since the pump has been leaking. Definitely a serpentine belt I just had mine replaced as well as the water pump.

 

The pump is 14 years old, age will take its toll on the seals whether you drive it or not. Has the coolant ever been changed? I would suggest a fresh thermostat while you're in there. If you're feeling diligent you could do the fat upper/lower radiator hoses. With the belt off checking those idler pulleys is a good idea.

 

I just did timing chains and while it was off I did a water pump, thermostat, all heater hoses (there are a lot), upper and lower radiator hoses, and one belt idler (it was pretty rough when I took it off).

since you're fairly low on mileage, I'd probably just do the thermostat and call it a day. it has to come off anyway for the waterpump. and check the condition of the belt and idlers.

 

I just did the hoses on my '08 and found out that both the dayco and gates lower hoses do not fit well. Had to go OEM.

 

You did upper and lower radiator hoses?
I’m thinking thermostat, serpentine belt, tensioner pulley assembly and idler pulley while in there

 

I did upper and lower radiator hoses mainly just because the one that was on the truck fit terribly and was hitting the alternator pulley...

I don't think you need to replace them otherwise.

 

I got under there to diagnose and saw pink fluid crusted all over block under water pump pulley and some on the skid plate so pretty sure water pump is leaking but...

Does the water pump leak slowly because I’ve topped off coolant 3 days ago and can’t see any new fluid dripping?

 

Yes, if the water pump leaks like crazy when the truck is just sitting, that would be an extremely urgent repair!

If you have a pressure tester, you can pressurize the system and you'll likely find that normal operating pressure is enough to get the pump to leak.

 

So even if I have a slow leak, it’s failing and I need to replace?

also I’m unsure if I can do it. It seems pretty laborious. How was it for you that have replaced?

 

The issue is predicting when the slow leak will lead to a bigger leak that's a bigger problem. This is not a particularly complicated repair, and you could shop it out to an independent shop if you didn't feel comfortable doing it.

 

I got a quote of $405 in labor plus parts. Seems decent as I’d supply the OEM parts. Or I could tackle it and save $405 but don’t know if I’m in over my head.

I have mechanical experience but of course some things are easier or more doable than others

 

Just bought an 07 (5.7) with 53k on it a month or two ago.

Discovered I had a slow leaking water pump and took it in to confirm.

Shop did the pump for $355 plus parts. The serpentine belt was replaced around 35k so it was still fine but they did the coolant, thermostat and pump while doing the job.

 

The OEM pump has a self sealing seal. The seal on my 07 was weeping forming a pink crust. Was weeping the five years I owned it. I bought a NIB Aisin pump off Craigslist for $25. Never used it. I'd have to add an ounce of red or two every month or so in the summer. My Zerex Asian red jug is still near full.

 

Nice. I assume this was a slow weeper too but I live in pretty remote parts so don’t want to be stranded somehow 2 hours from cell service

seems to be pretty common issue but not the end of the world at least they don’t seem to suddenly completely fail often

 

Very slow weep otherwise I would have swapped the other pump in. I was adding so little coolant and after reading up on how common the weep was, I deferred on replacing it.

 

Water Pump Inspection and Diagnostic Tip