Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Water Pump - How can I tell if it's been replaced

I've got a 99 SE Sport with the much beloved 2.5 duratec, I'm at 66k, and so far, no signs of water pump issues. I've been curious about how I can tell if the water pump has been changed. I know that the car had some kind of serivce which included replacement of the coolant in May of 03 at 43k. I bought it in July with 46k from a dealer that had no knowledge of the car's past.

- Ian in Tampa
99 SE Sport T-red MTX 66k, soon to be 67k

There is no easy way to tell. Even if you take it apart you might not know. By 99 the plastic impeller had been improved so you are much less likely to have a problem.

99's and newer have an improved white impellar which doesn't seem to be causing any problems. I have 143,000 miles on my stock '99 waterpump.

I have a 98 myst and my water pump died at 60933. I didn't notice any strange sounds or smells. It was overheating and there were no leaks in the cooling system. I took it to the shop and sure enough the black plastic impellor had come apart. I haven't heard of water pump probs on 99 and 00 models though. My advice would be to maintain your cooling system well and check the temp gauge periodically.
I think its ironic that Ford never recalled those stupid waterpumps. Many, many earlier models have had probs with them. And the parts that do get recalled are ones that nobody reports any trouble with.

u'll have to get down close and inspect it. if u can't find anything on in in small stamping that says ford or oem then odds may have been replaced w/ a aftermarket one from autozone or advance auto. or if there is a distinct difference in the colors of the aluminum of the waterpump and the houseing on the motor. if the pump is brighter than it may have been replaced.but u can't be for sure about that. if u are mechanically inclined u can get a new one for $70 at AZ w/ a lifetime warranty and just go ahead and change it. i've done 3 of them for myself and friends.

if you get the $70 auto zone pump with the lifetime warranty and the pump goes bad, do they pay for ALL engine damage due to water pump failure??

no unfortunately the warranty only covers the pump itself.

but damn would that be nice to be able to blame someone else for my enging blowing lol.

i'm not sure if there is anyone around that offers a warranty like that.