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Joined: Mar 2001
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Hello-
I found quite a bit of black specks in the coolant tank of my '96 SE yesterday. It has 49,000 mile on it.
How much time do I have before I must replace the water pump? Should I do it today (Sunday)? Can I wait until next weekend? I commute about 75 miles a day.
Thanks.
Mike
1996 SE MTX, Desert Violet
Blaupunkt Munchen, Dunlop
Sport 5000s, Ray
McNairy's THFix, custom air filter,
Magnecor wires,
Redline D4 tranny cocktail,
9005 lo-beams
SVT-size front rotors, EBC Greenstuff pads all around
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,932
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ive had that for a while now... ford told me it wasnt anything!! 
99 svt contour
-its fast. period.
91 mustang gt
-its faster. period.
86 Buick Grand National
- its way faster, double period!
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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,481
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That might be the sign of an upcoming waterpump failure. Replace the pump ASAP with the metal propellar model!
I would rather be on the safe side than the sorry side with a blown engine.
99 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
Mystery Car??????
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 425
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Just keep an eye on the temp guage.
The specks are either A. particles of the plastic water pump impeller, or B. corrosion/crap that was in your coolant already, and for whatever reason has become dislodged and now is floating around in your coolant.
Regardless, I would think about flushing the coolant if its really bad. And if it gets worse over time, its probably the water pump.
I heed the call of the curb
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OK, here's a little update :rolleyes: : I know that the black specks are a sign of impending doom...so, I'm going to replace the water pump as soon as I can get one. I didn't find the 'bad news specks' until after my preferred local auto parts store was closed (yesterday). Today I went to the local Kragen Auto Parts and found out that they didn't have one in stock and it would have to be ordered. So I ordered one and it should be ready to be picked up as early as tomorrow morning. Now all I need is the good fortune to have my current pump last until I can get the replacement installed . After paying the $89.99 = tax that Kragen wanted, (for a NEW pump) I checked pricing and availability online. I found out that CarParts.com had much better prices (the GMB pump that I ordered from Kragen is $53.46 at CarParts.com) but the time to ship is quoted at 7-10 business days . I guess if you want to save a little money you need to keep a spare parts inventory  . Oh well, I guess I'll be keeping my fingers crossed. It's going to be much harder to convince my wife that I should buy that electric water pump from Mr. Haines now  . Thanks for the replies. Mike
1996 SE MTX, Desert Violet
Blaupunkt Munchen, Dunlop
Sport 5000s, Ray
McNairy's THFix, custom air filter,
Magnecor wires,
Redline D4 tranny cocktail,
9005 lo-beams
SVT-size front rotors, EBC Greenstuff pads all around
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Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,053
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Originally posted by Icey Mike:
That might be the sign of an upcoming waterpump failure. Replace the pump ASAP with the metal propellar model!
I would rather be on the safe side than the sorry side with a blown engine. I bought my 'tique at 19k and it had black specks on the coolant reservoir wall. Now, I'm at 45k and the reservoir looks the same. Somehow, I dont think it's impending doom. just my opinion..MarkO
'98 Mystique LS V6 MTX
"Unprofessional driver, wide open course."
#9 - Hitting .400 for ever
"Wake up the damn Bambino; I'll drill him in the ass." -- Pedro Martinez
"The MTX75 was not designed to be a drag racing transmission" -- Terry Haines
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Changing the waterpump is now on the preventative maintenance program It doesn't matter if you have never had any problems with your car - you do not want to have a blown engine now do you?
99 Range Rover 4.6 HSE
Mystery Car??????
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 198
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Changed my water pump today. The how-to in the FAQ is excellent. It took me about two hours. Did it when the engine was COLD [I do most of my engine work on the 'Tour while it's cold (especially the spark plugs!)]. The pump that I used has the metal impeller (GMB, made in Japan). Take care. Mike
1996 SE MTX, Desert Violet
Blaupunkt Munchen, Dunlop
Sport 5000s, Ray
McNairy's THFix, custom air filter,
Magnecor wires,
Redline D4 tranny cocktail,
9005 lo-beams
SVT-size front rotors, EBC Greenstuff pads all around
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