Remanned Water Pump...Really?

**tesla4all** · 01.11.2012

So recently took the truck to a big name service center to have a bit of engine work done to include having the overhead done (with which I'm well pleased)...the water pump "replaced" (more on this in a minute) and the "no power" issue addressed. The loss of power was due to a faulty boost sensor which was replaced..along with the manifold (broken bolts). So here is the issue. The pump that was on the truck was a remanned unit that was installed about 3 months ago. Went to leaking a couple of weeks ago,..so I think I made an inquiry here on the forum about replacing the seal in the back of the pump. Was told it was simple and straight forward. So I was talking to the tech at the shop and was told that "they" don't advise that, that "they" just replace the pump...simpler and quicker. Got the truck back, was very pleased with the way it was running. Upon inspection of the pump I find that the SAME pump is in place..only difference is that it is now painted (spray can job). Now, so that there is no misunderstanding.... I was very pleased with the tech that did the work..nice guy.. Knowledgeable, and I would readily take ANY truck to him for work. Everyone is subject to making mistakes... and as you can see by the pic...this was a problem that cost me some revenue. Long story short, picked up a new seal, (turned out to be the wrong size)..so I just re-used the seal you see in the foto even-though it was nearly "cut" slap through,.. simple quick fix..no hidden nightmares here to those that have not done the repair yourself. That said a cheap $5 part to have on your truck with your extra fan belts and other assorted I know ALL of you carry along with ya.. oh yea, and a snap ring pliar tool too.

**Heavyd** · 01.11.2012

Yes, can, replace just that oring, BUT... You have to remember, most w/ps that start to leak here will have several years and miles on them. Your pump was still relatively new so everything came apart and cleaned up nicely. It is a very different story with a pump that is 8 years old and 900K on it. That snap ring and groove will be rusted up pretty good and hard to clean on chassis. Basically the pump still has to come off. At that point, why would you put the same pump back on that only had a band-aid fix and not a full rebuild? I hope you see my point. Your case at this time does make more sense to just redo the big oring, but in general I still say it is better to replace the whole pump and be done with it.

**lovesthedrive** · 01.11.2012

I hope that pic you took is not your instal. The ring in the pic has been rolled over and maybe the source of the leak. Also I dont like the looks of that groove. Forgive my mentioning, from what machining I have done, that groove is oversized to the seal. The seal width should fill the width of the groove.

**JohnP3** · 01.11.2012

That seal ring shows signs it was not positioned properly in the first place. I can see no reason why any shop would not have that seal ring, either in the parts department or some mechanics tool box. That seal comes in an overhaul kit, and is not used, 99% of the time.
I have a few in my Detroit extra supply.
Even when you clean the pump, and the snap ring grove and get the seal in place properly, with a little silicone on it success is not guaranteed.
Especially if it was warranty we replaced the pump. 90% of the time even if it was not covered, the pump is not expensive.

**tesla4all** · 01.11.2012

thanks for all of your replies... and what you see is what I found when I removed the back... I was headed south on I-95 when I got the cel and shutdown..... at that point I looked at the pump and found what you see in the attatched foto.

Was there at Titusville, didn't have snap ring pliar at that point so I got the ring back in place..headed to Orlando for parts (mistake in hindsight..should have waited for parts store to open, got the pliars and "fixed" the problem and finished what I was doing). I ended up using that same seal..

**heavyhaulerss** · 01.11.2012

I had the same leak 111 years ago. no one wanted to replace the -o-ring. they all wanted to replace entire pump.$700.00 was what Williams Detroit quoted me. bought the -o-ring & plastic back for $8.00 & put on myself. had to have stout snap ring pliers. mine had a crack in the plastic back. those water pumps will leak in the back after a short while, even if new. my weep hole started leaking a year ago & had to change it out. $200.00 at truck pro.

**little cat 500** · 01.11.2012

111 years ago darn your old lol

**Duramaxxed** · 01.11.2012

Originally Posted by little cat 500

111 years ago darn your old lol

Didn't know they had water pumps on horses

**heavyhaulerss** · 01.12.2012

Originally Posted by little cat 500

111 years ago darn your old lol

should of read 11 years.

**JohnP3** · 01.13.2012

I can remember a few leaks when there was an "O" ring. We tried just replacing the "O" ring and cleaning it some worked most did not. I have the snap ring pliers, with the bent tips.
The newer design with the flat seal, I do not ever remember a leak there. The one in the picture, was assembled wrong.
I did see a cracked cover but the customer hit it with a hammer, he was thumping the tire and used the water pump as a bump stop for his hammer as he checked the oil.