Preemptive Water Pump Replacement

[alteredwalter]

Hi folks,
I am in the middle of swapping out the heads on my 2005 Ranger (120,000 miles) and I am wondering if it would be a good idea to change out the water pump while I have good access. The fan and rad are off and all of the hoses and brackets are out of the way. It looks like it would be a pain to change later on once every thing is back together.

To this point there are no coolant leaks I can see and the fluid was very clean. The pump spins fine and the bearing seems tight not sloppy. As far as I know the pump is fine, but it seems like others are having issues around the 100-120K mark so I thought it might be a good idea to just go ahead and replace it. But since some of the bolts go through the timing cover and I don't want to compromise the TC seal I wanted to get some opinions from more experienced members and see if:

1. It is a good idea to replace working parts at regular intervals as a preventative measure
2. Are there any tips or things I should look out for if I do go ahead.

In addition any recommendations for aftermarket water pumps would be welcome. The AC Delco gold ones are a bit cheaper than the Motorcraft but not sure it is worth the $25 savings.

Thanks in advance

 

[Eddo Rogue]

If you do, replace with it with good one, many parts are junk aftermarket these days, ranger waterpumps is one of them....ac compressors and alternators as well.

 

[DILLARD000]

Since you got easy access & 100kMiles on the pump, I would swap it out & cleanup+keep old pump as a backup. I know they say the bearings are sealed, but I've always soaked both side of bearing with penetrating oil for a couple of hours before putting a pump on.

 

[Blmpkn]

I'd replace it. Easier and cheaper to do it now than it will be down the road.

 

[gw33gp]

My water pump has 263K miles on it and is the original from the factory. I was going to replace it when I did the timing chain system rebuild at 255K, but the Ford dealer sent me the wrong pump. They did exchange it for the right one, but I had the engine back together and in the engine bay. Someday when I get around to it with some other work needed, I will install it. The water pump was still in excellent condition at 255K. I think at 120K yours should have many miles left on it if you have taken good care of cooling system.

However, you never know when something like that could fail. Then again, you could replace it and still have a failure. My brother, who is a professional mechanic, tells his customers; don't replace original equipment if it is still working. He has found that many replacement parts tend to not last as long as original equipment.

It is really your call on this. I always use parts from a Ford dealer (usually online orders after finding the least expensive) or Motorcraft from a place like Rock Auto.

 

[RonD]

On the 3.0L Vulcan a common issue was the timing cover gasket leaking coolant, there are two coolant passages, and either can leak
This is a pic of the block with the two coolant passages: https://i.ytimg.com/vi/w68Ld8eKp7k/maxresdefault.jpg

And a pic of the front cover, with a sentiment about its design:

https://imgur.com/zlqY9

Water pump bolts to the front cover

Reason I bring this up is that water pump replacement is fine, when its weep hole or gasket is leaking or there is an overheating issue you think is water pump related
But if you are just going to replace a 3.0l Vulcan water pump on speculation or general maintenance, I would also do the front cover gasket...........or don't bother
It could last the life of the vehicle, water pump or front gasket, or it may not

 

[alteredwalter]

Thanks everyone. I appreciate all of your input.
I had pretty much talked myself into swapping it out but the last 2 posts have me thinking I am best to leave the current pump in place and make peace with the fact I will have to get back in there down the road. The truck (which I bought last year and promptly had to garage due to the head issue) has clearly been well cared for based on how clean everything is inside. And with my luck I will no doubt end up having RonD's timing cover issue down the road so I will deal with it then.

Thanks again!

 

[Blueovalmadman]

Is replacing the water pump a fairly simple process or is it difficult? I’m asking because I noticed coolant on the floor of my garage. I don’t know if it’s weeping or leaking from somewhere else. How do I find out & if I do replace it do I attack it from the top or bottom?

 

[superj]

Lay under and find the coolant trail and trace it from there. Look at the bottom of the pump for the weep hole, too. If its wet, change it before that sucker starts spraying fluid.

No idea in easiest change though, i havent had to work on my ranger yet as i only got it from my uncle last summer

 

[pjtoledo]

I'm assuming the timing cover will need replacing. the pump by itself is easy.

for the timing cover:
on an engine stand it's easy.
in the Ranger the engine sits low, makes it hard to reach.
the frame is in the way from down below.
it can be done, just awkward. unbolt and move the accessories to the side for better access.

if possible get a loaner cooling system pressure tester. you can pressurize the system without the engine running.

 

[Burnsy]

You could always have a trusted mechanic do the water pump if/when it goes....I have a guy that works on my truck when i don't want to......when I was younger i did everything, now i defer on a few things and its actually a good feeling NOT working on it sometimes