Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) replacing water pump, and have a collant question

[WaltHess]

Water pump bit it at almost 240,000. NAPA shows their Delphi unit as OEM, and $70. I want one that will last, and prefer USA over Chinese made. Does anyone have input on how well this unit lasts?



As to the coolant. I was having to use the truck for my daily 206 mile commute, and was topping the radiator every night with about half a gallon of water. Didn't know about the distilled water, and was just using from the tap at work. How well does distilled compare to reverse osmosis? We have a RO system at work that I could get plenty of water from for a flushing, and replacement.

 

[Alan Reagan]

I got my water pump at Advance Auto Parts. Their GMB pump is advertised to exceed OEM specs and utilizes a ceramic seal.



I wouldn't use tap water. You get a buildup of minerals in your cooling system. Once you replace the water pump, drain the system and replace the coolant. If you don't want to buy distilled water, use the 50/50 anti-freeze. It is premixed.



Depending on how old your hoses are, now would be a good time to replace them as well as the idler pulleys while you have the belt off.



When I do my cooling system, I pretty much do it all while I'm at it.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Geno's Garage offers a good quality Gates water pump for 1998. 5-2007 engines for $35. I got one from Car Quest a while ago, and it has held up too, while costing more than that. Reverse osmosis water would be much better to use than tap water.

 

[Joe Mc]

Get the pump from Geno's.

I work in a hospital and we have RO water system for the lab equipment RO water is the way to go, its totally dead = pure. Best for the coolant system and topping off batteries as well.

 

[WaltHess]

Thanks for the advice, and good to hear about the RO water. We generate around 100+ gallons a day for our cleaning department at work, so I can snag some before the weekend when it won't be needed.

Turns out my friend popped one in from Auto Zone (lifetime warranty) because he needed to borrow the truck this weekend, so we will see how it lasts. He also did the serpentine belt as it had not been changed in the 139,000 I have driven the truck since 05. Since I got my 98 Saturn wagon to commute in , the truck has sat more than being driven. The first year I owned it I put 48K on it, this year maybe 15K. The Saturn on the other hand gets 50K+ a year 293,000+ on it when it finally said enough, and it's time to rebuild that engine now.