Water Pump Gasket Failures

[flatlander]

Recently had the water pump replaced by GM (51,000 miles)because of a leaking gasket and noticed when I got it back that the gasket is a metal one. Can't say for sure but I think the original gasket was 'paper". Maybe this is an improved part put out by GM. Both gaskets have rubber or silicon impregnated around the water holes.

 

Maybe would not have had to replace the water pump and gone just with the gaskets but as long as they did all the labor thought it was just as well to change the pump too and that way GM will warranty the thing if any more leaks develop.

 

Is this somewhat of a common problem on the 4.8 & 5.3 water pumps?

[az'03Silverado]

I have the 4.8 and the water pump started leaking around 5000 miles. They just replaced the gaskets because the truck was under warranty. But, in your case, replacing the whole pump was probably a smart idea because you had to pay labor anyway for the R&R on the pump so a new pump would be covered for life if it happens again. Not sure about the new type of gaskets. Must be an improved design.

[MS3DALE]

I know my '99 I had with the 4.8 had a metal gasket for the water pump.

We have not changed very many water pumps at all on 4.8/5.3/6.0's since they came out in '99.

I wouldn't say its common but maybe thats just around these neck of the woods

[Norseman]

Recently had the water pump replaced by GM (51,000 miles)because of a leaking gasket and noticed when I got it back that the gasket is a metal one.  Can't say for sure but I think the original gasket was 'paper".  Maybe this is an improved part put out by GM.  Both gaskets have rubber or silicon impregnated around the water holes.

 

Maybe would not have had to replace the water pump and gone just with the gaskets but as long as they did all the labor thought it was just as well to change the pump too and that way GM will warranty the thing if any more leaks develop.

 

Is this somewhat of a common problem on the 4.8 & 5.3 water pumps?

 

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See:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=47267

 

The new Metal ones are made by Fel-Pro