99MONGOOSE

My 1998 Z28 with 60k is at the shop right now leaking coolant. The shop tells me that the waterpump is in need of replacement; is this common for the LS1s? I called a GM dealership and they want $330.00 just for the pump(comes with the gasket and themostat). I asked for the part number and the counterman refused to give it to me, what a JERK!

SSwt00SS

iTrader: (18)

yes it's common for water pumps to go out. now when or at what milage, that's anyones guess. **** happens and things wear out, fail, and seize up over time from use and abuse...

however, that price sounds on the high side and he should have given you the part number. look around, i know there are sites and links that will give you the part number for an Ls1 waterpump. good luck...

Tainted

iTrader: (9)

well since you are having to replace it anyways why not get an electric waterpump?

ChocoTaco369

water pumps commonly break on f-bodies thanks to the magic of dexcool. dexcool loves to eat the gaskets inside if left in there for a long time. if you leave your dexcool in there for 5 years - you know, the actual lifespan it's rated for - there's a good chance your water pump will take a dive right after you change your coolant. ask me how i know. i changed my dexcool at the 5 year interval and my water pump went right afterwards. i didn't even get 30k miles out of it. you need to change dexcool every other year to keep it fresh because when air gets into the system, it turns into vinegar, eats seals and foams up. i switched to the green coolant. i figured if i'm going to change the coolant every other year, i may as well use a proven coolant that's decades old and time-tested, unlike garbage dexcool that nearly every mechanic out there hates. the only advantage of dexcool is it's less corrosive on aluminum blocks, but it's not going to matter anyway. your LS1 block will outlast you. it'll be intact long after you're dead and gone, so what the hell's the point of using it? oh yea, doesn't GM get a kickback for using dexcool?

ddelallata

iTrader: (2)

mine went out at around 90K miles. but they are all different. I got a new replacement at O'Reilly for 125 bucks.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Water pump is a common wear item on any car. None of them will last forever. Every car I've ever owned from any manufacturer has lost the water pump before 100k. Usually between 60-90k. My Toyota was the worst, needed a new pump every 60k.

Dexcool isn't that bad, IMO. The original owner of my Camaro didn't change the coolant at all during his ownership. He owned it from new (1998) and I did the first FULL coolant flush in early 2005. The car only had 11k miles on it. I have no coolant issues, no leaks, water pump is fine, and the radiator looked super clean inside after the flush.

I drain and refill the radiator every spring now. This gets out about half the coolant, so fresh is always being mixed in. I only drive the car about 1000-1500 miles a year, so I see no need to regularly flush the system following this method. I followed this same method with my '00 car for 5 years, and the coolant always looked clean and red, just like it's supposed to. Never had a coolant leak or issue with that car either.

Dexcool will cause you issues if you run the system significantly low on coolant though.

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

My waterpump went out about 50k miles. I blame it on Dexcool because there was a lot of "gel" buildup and it was almost gritty as well.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Were you still running the stock coolant at 50K?

_JB_

iTrader: (33)

I'm guessing so. I"m not sure if the previous owner changed it or not. When I got the car home I opened the radiator cap and it was "glued" on, and that was at 45k miles. I'm not sure if the pump was leaking from the weep hole then or not, I can't remember.

Shallow Bay

iTrader: (3)

LS1 water pump kit (98-02) = 89017593

coolformula

iTrader: (21)

I got my at orealiys. My stock waterpump at 65k was fine. Its hit or miss. Most of the time chevy lasts over 100k in my experience.

99MONGOOSE

The car was my Dad's and he never had it changed. I had it done a few months ago and guess what...pumps bad now!

99MONGOOSE

So do you all recommend flushing the coolant how often and should it be swapped for regular coolant?

Da Swami

iTrader: (6)

Mine slowly failed at 112k and I bought a new one for $135 with a lifetime warranty from Autozone.

When I unbolted the back of it the inside was almost pristine, except in my case the bearing had gone bad (I could hear it whirring with the engine on).

Considering this, I went ahead and stuck with Dexcool; you should really just decide for yourself.

z28_n_tx

iTrader: (7)

i went with an aftermarket water pump as well...mine went out at about 55k or so, well actually the gasket was leaking so i just went ahead and replaced the pump. one less thing to worry about down the road. I ve seen the stock pumps on ebay for about $150-$200 i think, but they only have 1yr warranty not life time...unless you go with the stealership ofcourse.

99MONGOOSE

Is the dealerships pump lifetime warrantied?

brad8266

iTrader: (23)

Yeah right. Wishful thinking. Gm parts are a scam, they charge you a arm to buy them and they have like a 1 year warranty.

98redM6

iTrader: (39)

Definitely get one with a lifetime warranty preferrably new, not remanufactured. I got mine at Napa for about $160.

toofless916

yeah mines went out on me at about 55k...i had it replaced but my ride is under warranty so i didnt pay doo doo...

Rhedalert

iTrader: (21)

I just replaced mine last month due to leakage. $115 for a reman at Napa and doing pretty well so far!