Water Pump longevity / replacement ('98-3.0)

[suburbanstevie]

Hello all,

I've got a 1998 3.0L, with about 150K miles. And noticed in my service records that I've never changed the water pump or the thermostat.

Am I driving on borrowed time? Or have Windstar 3.0's waterpumps been know to typically last longer.

And how hard are they to replace?

thanks, Steve

[wiswind]

Mine was a 3.8L, 1996, and still had the original when I sold the vehicle with over 229K miles on it last spring.
On the 3.8L, it is a pain to change the water pump because you have to lift that end of the motor up about 4" to get enough clearance.
The advice that I have seen, replace upon failure.
I looked up the Motorcraft brand water pump on Rock Auto, 3.0L and 3.8L use different parts, but each is the same through all years (3.0L '95-2000).

Thermostat, I did replace it.
I recommend a Genuine Motorcraft Thermostat, they aren't that expensive....Rock Auto has Motorcraft for 96 3.8L for $19.18

Also get the standard, not alternate, temperature.
For 3.8L in '96 the correct temp was 195 Degrees
The 3.0L also calls for OE temp of 195 Degrees.

[suburbanstevie]

Thanks Wiswind for the reply. I've got to change the temp "sender" sensor (to the gauge), and it is way over-due for a coolant flush anyway. So this Saturday, I'll tackle those items, and may change the pump while I'm at it.

Steve

[wiswind]

If you change the coolant, I recommend either traditional GREEN coolant or G-05
You can get either as Motorcraft Premium Coolant (Green) or Motorcraft GOLD (G-05)
You can get both under the Zerex brand name also
The Prestone yellow jug is NOT either type........don't let anyone tell you that a coolant is not G-05 unless is says that it is G-05 on the label.

Again, the water pump is not an easy job and, while they fail, they are not a high failure item.
I didn't change mine because I am not confident that any replacement that I bought would be as good of quality as what I had on there. So I figured that I was better off to let it alone unless it failed.
Keeping your coolant changed when it needs to be is a big help in avoiding water pump, and other cooling system issues.
When coolant gets old, it can become acidic.....and start eating away at things.
The windstar has a water pump with a metal impeller, the vehicles that have the plastic impeller have been known to have the old coolant eat away at the plastic....and then there are no blades left to move the coolant.

[tempfixit]

The water pump on the 3.0 is not that hard to change, I changed mine at 200K but would not needed too. I had just gotten the vehilce and thought it was making a noise but I was wrong on my diagnosis. If the seal is not leaking or the shaft does not have any play in it I would leave alone.

[suburbanstevie]

Hmmm... OK, you guys have talked me out of changing the pump. But I will inspect it for any shaft "wobble" and any leaks/weeps. But it may serve me well for many years to come.

Was going to do it today, Saturday, but will do it tomorrow as I went bicycle riding today instead.

Thanks Wiswind and Tempfixit,
Steve

[suburbanstevie]

Update... Well I drained and flushed the system, changed the thermostat, and the Temperature guage "Sender" sensor, got it all back together with no leaks. But the gauge in the instrument cluster is still jumping/moving a little on the erradic side.

I am guessing it is the actual gauge. I checked the wires and connector by wiggling the connector, and removing it off and back on. But still erratic.

Any thoughts?
Steve

[MarPac]

Well, I've tried to change the pump without moving the engine up or down. Finally I did it, but if there were some parts fasten too much I would not finish it due to so small space arround the pump.