I just put water pump #5 on my car this last Friday. The first four where Ford pumps and putting the whole assembly in was easier than just the face. #1 was a broken impeller, #2, 3 and 4 where leaking wheap holes. Pump four (a Ford) I bought about eight months ago, so I believe it was a “re-design” and has lasted about 8,000 miles. This time (#5) I went with the Autozone pump. I ended up taking the whole assembly out anyway to change the face. I just wanted to make sure that the old seal was completely off and everything was as clean as could be. I also replaced a few of the bolts that didn't look right. I torqued down to 18 in-lbs and let it sit for and hour so the gasket sealer could cure. I also replaced the belt and flushed the radiator and block. Then used a Dex-cool at 50/50 for the refill. Hopefully all the time I took will make a difference.
PS. Does 18 in-lbs sound right? That's what the manual said and that's what I used.
Mike
'95 SE, ATX, KKM
78,000 miles and five water pumps
