Water Pump is Leaking

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Started smelling a bit of coolant after my drives, when parked in the garage.  The coolant level isn't really going low, but there is a small drip on the ground may once a week after driving.  Looks like underneath all the pulleys is where the white crusted coolant is.  So it's just getting started leaking.  How long do you think it'll last before the leak gets bad? 

 

How hard is the water pump replacement?  Is just as simple as draining coolant, removing the serpentine belt, then removing and replacing the water pump assembly?  Do you have to use liquid gasket with a cure time, or just the metal/rubber gaskets the kits come with?  What else do you replace during this install, thermostat and thermostat housing?  Coolant temp sensor?  Hoses? 

 

May be a stupid question, but looking this up on rockauto, they all say the fan clutch should be replaced at the same time.  But these vehicles don't have a mechanical fan attached to the water pump, all electric.  Why would they say that, and sell fan clutches for these vehicles? 

[txab]

Replace it now. It might get bad 5 minutes into your next drive. Look to youtube for videos on replacement. It VERY simple. Replace thermostat at same time. Use the gaskets that come with the pump. Clean surfaces thoroughly, no need for additional gasket goo. No need to worry about why rockauto says replace clutch.

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Got it, I'll get parts ordered now.  Were there some 2005 1500's that had the mechanical fan and fan clutch or something?  It's weird that it's a valid replacement part for my truck. 

 

I'm confused on which thermostat to get, there's several different sizes.  Any clues how to measure?  These are the three integrated housing ones available:

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1490544&cc=1431208&jsn=548

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=6357627&cc=1431208&jsn=549

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=366565&cc=1431208&jsn=543

[mookdoc6]

Same as above...Clean thoroughly change thermostat too.  Not done this one or any vehicle in awhile but looking at K2's it should not be a problem at all.  I hate Rockauto sorry!

[onecrazyfoo4u]

Or should I just get this Gates one with included thermostat and housing for $13 more than the AC Delco pump?  Is Gates a good brand?

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1390525&cc=1431208&jsn=574&jsn=574

 

[Jet-X]

I'm replacing my water pump this weekend.  This video was really helpful.  I have a fan clutch and replacing that as well.  

 

https://www.1aauto.com/how-to-install-replace-water-pump-2000-03-v8-5.3l-chevy-suburban-1500-lm7-ls/video/11657

[txab]

4 hours ago, onecrazyfoo4u said:

Or should I just get this Gates one with included thermostat and housing for $13 more than the AC Delco pump?  Is Gates a good brand?

 

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo.php?pk=1390525&cc=1431208&jsn=574&jsn=574

 

Of your choices you list, I'd go for Gates. They have a good rep for good products. You need the new thermo and housing anyway

[onecrazyfoo4u]

9 hours ago, txab said:

Of your choices you list, I'd go for Gates. They have a good rep for good products. You need the new thermo and housing anyway

Appreciate your input, thanks for the help!