2nd Timing Belt/1st Water Pump Replacement?

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timzim

timzim

10 Year
Joined
Feb 24, 2012
Threads
7
Messages
51
Hello -- I just picked up a 99 LC with 160K miles on it. It's in great shape, appears to have been very well maintained by the prior owner and I've got all of the records for the last 100K miles. The timing belt was replaced at 87K miles, but the water pump was NOT done at the same time. I figure I'm due for a timing belt change around 180K miles, but I'm worried about the water pump. Would it be worth changing the TB/WP now a bit early or can I just sit on this for another year or so?

Also -- any other big things I should be on the look out for? The prior owner just had all of the fluids changed ~5K miles ago so I don't really think I'm in much need of "baselining" but thought I would ask. Any big failure items? Head gasket or radiator troubles common?

Thanks all.
 
Run through this forum's FAQs for some basic info on what to look for with problems and with maintenance, like the 90K. A search for "weep hole" will tell you how to check for a leaky water pump. Happily, the 4.7L is one of the best engines ever made, IMHO. Enjoy it.
 
I would say keep running it I just replace my first water pump at 205,000 miles with the second timing belt.
 
Thanks for the perspectives. I think I'll just let it ride for now unless something pops up that has me in the mechanic's shop in the meantime. Just hoping to drive and camp the hell out of it this summer.
 
Water Pump

timzim said:
Hello -- I just picked up a 99 LC with 160K miles on it. It's in great shape, appears to have been very well maintained by the prior owner and I've got all of the records for the last 100K miles. The timing belt was replaced at 87K miles, but the water pump was NOT done at the same time. I figure I'm due for a timing belt change around 180K miles, but I'm worried about the water pump. Would it be worth changing the TB/WP now a bit early or can I just sit on this for another year or so?

Also -- any other big things I should be on the look out for? The prior owner just had all of the fluids changed ~5K miles ago so I don't really think I'm in much need of "baselining" but thought I would ask. Any big failure items? Head gasket or radiator troubles common?

Thanks all.
Click to expand...

I know two people who replaces water pumps with the second timing belt service, and they were still good with no leaks. It's up to you if you do a lot of long distance driving, and don't want to get stranded.
 
I'm going to go against the grain here and say absolutely replace it. I say this because:

a) I maintain the 100 like Airforce One. I want to be 100% certain that it will get me to where ever I want to go. Same goes for things like the oil cooler hoses, cam seals, crank seals, pulleys, etc.

b) You've spent 95% of the labor by the time the timing belt is off. It's a $135 part and it comes with the two replacement o-rings so you don't need to buy those. Money well spent.

c) My pump at 94,600 was weeping, but it wasn't evident until you pulled the pump. There was a little bit of caked on crud on the outside, but it was more dirty than weepy. It wasn't exactly an operating room in there either. Nothing was damp. Wasn't until I pulled the pump that I saw all the red crystals on the inside weep hole passage. The weep hole indicates water has made it past the seal on the pump shaft. The passage provides an outlet for this water to go.
 
Here's the weeper.

image-2078648423.webp

image-2078648423.webp
 
Thanks for your input there. I definitely plan to replace the WP when I do the timing belt (I'm surprised the PO didn't do it given how meticulously he maintained it otherwise), but I'm just wondering whether I should replace both early on. I'm planning a big road trip at the end of the summer, so I'll probably wait a few months and do both before the trip -- don't want to get stuck in the middle of nowhere in Canada or Alaska!
 
Best to stick to the factory replacement schedule for TB and do the WP at the same time.
That said, I did the first TB & WP chance at 230K miles. Both were serviceable, but it was good to finally get it done. Peace of mind etc...
 
SWUtah said:
1st one at 230k and your saying for peace of mind lmao
Click to expand...

Sounds sporty, eh? In fact I'd been checking the belt and pump regularly, and the WP did not leak a drop. Still have the belt, and would not hesitate to use it if I was stuck in the bush and needed one. Decided to do it when the pulleys started to sound liek a bad garage band on cold morning startup.
 
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