Replacing Waterpump

[phewop118]

I've been complaining for several months about my water pump being noisy and leaking. Well, I didn't drive my Intrigue for a week or so due to snow and when I finally got around to turning it on, the water pump was seized up. I could hear (and smell) the belt grinding/jumping off the water pump pulley. Eventually, it began to turn, but with a loud noise. I figure it's finally time to replace that damned thing, so I'm going to take it to my mechanic to take care of it - I don't have the time or patience to do it myself in the cold weather.

Anyways, they quoted me a labor cost of $144 (+ $53 if I want a coolant flush and fill). I think that sounds reasonable, but just checking to see what you guys think. If I were to get a GM pump from a dealer, it would be $140, but online I can get it for $70, but that doesn't include a new pulley or gasket. Should I have those replaced too? Or should I get an aftermarket brand? Any suggestions??

[carbon02]

You shouldn't need a new pulley for the water pump, as you should be able to transfer the old one to the new pump.

A gasket will be required. Some pumps come with them, and some don't.

This job pays 1.4 hours according to AllData, so $144 for labor is nearly $100 per hour. No deal, but that's the going rate here in the midwest for both small shops and GM Dealers, so I'd take it to the dealer and get it done.

I think the AcDelco one on rockauto contains the gasket, where it could be purchased for around $70 if you do plan on doing it. I'm like you, it's really cold in the midwest, and I'm done in the garage until spring!

Appears to be fairly easy, but it appears some of the bolts are longer than others, and need to go back in the right locations, or damage to the water jacket could occur.

Hope this helps--

[phewop118]

Well, I have a slight update. I let the car sit for a while, as it was snowing and the tires are near bald. When I drove it the other day, after a few minutes I could smell coolant. After 2 miles of driving and coming home, I noticed there was some steam coming from under the hood. I opened the hood and saw it coming from the front, lower passenger side of the engine, near the waterpump, but also near one of the big hoses. It was getting dark, so I couldn't tell if the hose was wet or not.

Anyways, would coolant leaking out of the waterpump steam up like that? or should I be looking at another leak?

[Hoppy2]

Any kind of coolant leak will produce steam especially when it is cold outside. I had an upper rad hose blow on me because my rad was frozen one time when the temperature was around 0 deg F. You should have seen the steam then, let alone the explosion. I thought the cylinder head actually blew off the engine when it popped!

[phewop118]

I drove it again yesterday. After driving it for ten minutes, I stopped and let it idle, that's when steam began. I start driving it and no more steam. hmmm. I will take it into the shop next week when I get a chance. Hopefully.