What's with the water pumps?!

[fowljesse]

I stopped driving the stock GS because the water pump seal broke. Now the same thing happened on the fast one. Each of them had about less than 40,000 miles on new water pumps. The stock one was run without water by my ex, until it stopped. Then it ran for 2 years before the pump went out. The fast one was always taken care of.

Who else has had early water pump failures?
Is there a superior brand to buy next time?

[Nd4SpdSe]

My original water pump on my K8 start to go when the car had only 120'000ish KM's on it. A new aftermarket waterpump was put on when the ZE was put in, but that never went and had just over 100'000kms on it.

I've never really read anyone having abnormal failures on the waterpump

[fowljesse]

To clarify; the pump itself might be okay, but the seal is gone. When I put water in, it dumps right out from behind the timing belt cover. The same with the stock car. Maybe the pump can only take 20 lbs or so of pressure..

[mitmaks]

OEM one on my K8 failed at ~70K. Which brand are you using?

[Sleeper6]

Your not putting any sealant on the O-ring when you install it are you? That will cause it if you do or fail to clean out the channel it sits in. Ive had 3 now and none that have failed yet.

[fowljesse]

I have no idea which brand(s). I never buy the cheapest ones, but rarely buy the most expensive ones. I usually ask the counter guy(s) if one is better than another.
I actually don't remember if I put sealant on. I'm pretty sure I didn't, because I never do, when it has a rubber ring. That's good to know that it can make it worse, if one does. I always clean everything, and finish cleaning with rubbing alcohol, and make sure it's dry.

[wagZE]

I have always used RTV gasket maker around the water pump's rubber gassket & never had any problems with them. Soemthing just makes me feel better about having extra gasket on there, I mean why not the stuff is cheap.

[RX8SE3P]

I put sealant on mine. Pretty sure the workshop manual says to do so.

I've only done about 20,000kms so I can't give advice yet. Maybe in 3-5 years I'll let you know which brand is best LOL.

[mikeinaus]

Is it the gasket that is failing or the actual shaft seal? If its the seal there isn't much you can do other then try a new brand... I've got a cheap eBay pump on my ze, its not very old but no problems so far.. .

[Daninski]

I'm sorry my friend but it is the 'will of Allah' nothing more. Never buy rebuilt pumps always buy new and Insha’Allah it will not happen to you again. That is the best advise I can offer you.

I will add that a pump must have lubrication either using antifreeze or some other product with equivalent lubricating abilities. Straight water is a definite no no. Demineralized water is also highly recommended in lieu of tap water.

[fowljesse]

Thanks, everyone. I haven't gotten into it, yet, so I don't know if it's the shaft, or the outer seal.