Water Pump

[PearlWhiteGT]

Working on my project truck (2001 Z71) that has been sitting for a few years. Doing a complete tune up on it soon and planning on doing a coolant flush along with replacing the thermostat and housing. Also replacing the belt tensioner pully so while I'm there is it a good idea to go ahead and replace the water pump? I have no idea when or if it has been changed. Will also be replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses and radiator cap. Truck has around 135K miles.

If so is there a recommended water pump and thermostat and housing to use or will any of the ones the local parts store sell be good to go. Was going to order them on amazon since the price seems cheaper than my local parts store. Was looking at the Gates 45005 water pump and 33910 thermostat with housing for less than $100. Any advice would be much appreciated, I'm new to these trucks.

[txab]

Probably a good idea to swap at this time, especially if it's been sitting around. Gates would be ok. I've stayed with the OE pump when replacing on these, 251-743. It takes the same thermostat and housing as the factory installed. Thermostat and housing are 2 pieces.

 

Hope you're doing all the hoses too

[Black02Silverado]

It wouldn't hurt to change it out.  You can always get the OE part number from a dealer and then go on Amazon.  I did that with my thermostat for our 2016 Suburban.  Came in an AC Delco box and all and was $25 less than what the dealer was going to charge me. 

 

I would also do all the hoses as well as those connectors for the heater hoses at the fire wall. Wouldn't hurt to take the coolant tank out and wash it out as well.

[CamGTP]

I've sold and installed more water pumps than I can count with that gates part number. Napa always had good deals on them. I'd see no problem running one of those or getting a new OEM pump.

[PearlWhiteGT]

Thanks, how many hoses are there total to be replaced other than the upper and lower radiator hose?  

[dna9656]

There are plenty of hoses you should at least inspect. Check for leaks (duh) cracks in the rubber, bent ends (some hose use tubing on the ends) general condition. Any questionable issue replace it. You sure won't want to be crawling around replacing stuff that would have been a lot easier to replace when it was apart. I have an Auto Zone water pump on my 5.3, works just fine. Think about a radiator flush. The serpentine belt should be replaced, esp. if it shows cracks on the inside. There is a separate belt for the A/C compressor you should replace or at least inspect that now too. Look at power steering hoses, hydro boost hoses too.

[txab]

7 hours ago, PearlWhiteGT said:

Thanks, how many hoses are there total to be replaced other than the upper and lower radiator hose?  

 You've got several more than the upper and lower. Just look and see. I'd use Gates catalog lookup to get part numbers and hoses.

 

https://www.gates.com/us/en/knowledge-center/resource-library/product-catalogs.html     Click on the box, upper right hand corner.

 

You can also use rockauto, but I find the Gates catalog easier/better to use

[Brenden Burnham]

Would no doubt change it out.  A pretty easy job really.  Stick with the OEM(ACDelco).  The one I got at Napa came with the Thermostat as well.  Done a few of them and are pretty easy.  While your at it check and would recommend change out the radiator.  Sitting for a while most likely inside a bit corroded.

[Brenden Burnham]

I would personally stay away from Amazon when getting the important parts like mentioned.  So many knock offs for me not work saving just a few $$ for possibly causing a bigger issue down the road.  Stick with OEM and stick with local parts store for these kinds of parts.  To each their own but is what I do anyway.  

 

Yeah you may be able to get refunded if said part fails but are they going to pay you the time for having to swap said part again?  

Edited February 18, 2022 by Brenden Burnham