This is long, but it's got a happy ending!
I've got 35k miles and change on my 00 SVT and last Fri. it started to get hot on me driving in semi hot weather (it had never been above halfway on the temp gage, even autocrossing). Even though I only have 35k miles I immediately thought waterpump, but the temp didn't stay up, it was wavering all over the place.
i decided to risk it, turned on the heater full blast and opened the windows. I made it home and called the dealer. They were able to take me immediately, but I couldn't head right out, by the time I got ready, the car had cooled.
The dealer is really close and the car didn't overheat by the time I got there, so I just told them the problem, specifically mentioning the waterpump and they said they'd look at it. They then shocked me by offering a ride home!
Next day they call to say that they couldn't duplicate the problem with a 10 minute test drive. I went over and on the paperwork it said that I had complained of a coolant leak, not overheating. I mentioned that and they said that they would try another test drive to see. They did and it overheated. They wanted to replace the thermostat and gasket, which sounded reasonable, since I only have 35k on it, and they went to start.
A little while later the head tech came out and told me that he wanted to do the waterpump too because he knew that they had a problem with them and he'd feel better if they did it! I was shocked... especially since it's all warranty work!
i had to wait one more day, but this ought to buy me another 35k before I have to worry about the pump at least! Pretty cool I must say.
Oh, for locals, this is University Ford North on Roxboro in N. Durham. This place is never busy, but they're open from 7AM to 9PM mon-sat! I think I love them... Just had to share a good waterpump/dealer/warranty story since I had it.
I asked about that as soon as they mentioned the new pump. But because it was a warranty issue, I had to take what they gave me. As long as it lasts even decently long, it will buy me quite a few thousand miles more that it would have otherwise and all it cost me was an extra day for the repair. I'll take it. 