Hi all,

I like to replace all fluids on my new cars, including coolant. Since my xfire makes a quite and oddly periodic noise, I figured I'd replace the waterpump as well.

Called local mechanics and was shocked - they said $350 for the labor. One of them said that in just to remove the accessory belt they will have to remove one of the engine mounts as well so it'll take them 45 minutes. Does this make sense to you?

 

None at all. As a matter of fact, at last years fall Tail of the Dragon, Chuk138 replaced a water pump in the parking lot in about 30 minutes.
The belt is easily removed, all that is required is a 17mm socket and wrench.
The water pump is easy also, just make sure you put the bolts back as they came out, they are different lengths and sizes.
Fill her up with Zerex G05 / distilled water 50/50.

HINT: If you remove the cooling fan first ( no tools required ), you will have plenty of room to work.

 

Thanks ala_xfire!

Two more questions:

1) do you think the coolant I bought is good? (attached picture)
2) is there any trickery with getting bubbles out of the system aka burps?

 

Are you sure it is the water pump?
There are other pulleys that fail before the water pump and are cheaper and easier to replace. Does the pump leak or what are your reasons for suspecting the pump?

 

ZeroxG05 is for aluminum engines. Just make sure the coolant is specified for this. I am with 180 on this, as rarely the water pump fails. Other pulleys and sometimes even the alternator make noises. If the pump were failing I would suspect you would have coolant seeping around the shaft of the pump. Good luck... That is all I have to add, you have help now...out of here.

 

1. Yes, that coolant is fine.
2. No trickery that I am aware of.

Make sure you drain as well as you can, fill up with JUST distilled water, drive it awhile then drain again.
Fill up again with 50/50 mix your coolant and distilled water.

But like onehundred80 said, how are you sure it's not simply the tensioner or idler pulley making the noise.
If the water pump is OK, leave well enough alone and just change the coolant.

 

Hi all thank you very much. I don't know for sure if it is the waterpump because my xfire isn't leaking anything. The car makes a weird periodic noise though. And on cold starts it makes a weird low period ticking (2 per second or so).

I will film everything and let you hear it before I start changing anything.

You guys are so great. Love this forum already.

 

I would also make sure you test the final mixture to as close to a 50/50 as possible. If your in an area that def needs 50/50 qualities, you'll be glad you did. Good luck!