Is there any test a shop can do on a water pump?

I replaced the water pump in my 96 this weekend. It had previously been replaced and the one I pulled out was an OEM. In the video I watched, the guy said he had never seen an OEM go bad, that it was always just the orings which could be replaced for $5.

There is no play whatsoever side to side, and it spins just fine. Both O rings were stretched.

I would like to hold on to it for use as a potential replacement for my 2000 in the future if what he said is correct. But don't want to install it unless I'm sure it is good.

Probably should just ditch it since the part cost is inconsequential compared to the labor.

 

Yeah, ditch it. The gaskets failing 1st in the water pump is by design. Think about what would happen if the pump mechanism itself failed first.......before the gaskets

DW

 

i replaced water pump at ~180k miles; the rubber gasket/seals were flattened but the i could hear a slight noise when turning it so i tossed it. just fyi.

 

I wouldn't take a chance on my cooling system if I were you.

 

That's what I thought too. Thanks.

 

The problems would be bigger than that. The water pump operates with coolant on one side and oil on the other. If it fails oil and water mix, oil pressure drops, engine over heats, head gasket warps, piston sieze, end of VQ motor.

DW

 

Would the o-rings/gaskets at all be a culprit for my missing coolant? I don't see any leaks at all, but I do have to replace coolant in my DD maxima once a month..

 

I don't want to say no, but I'd ye seals failed youbwould see coolant dripping between the oil pan and AC bracket when the car is on. You should ask phomr or any of the other knowledgable Orgers in the "help I'm a no one thread".

 

I think it could be. That leak comes down right near the a/c and oil pan. I would check the ground in the am to see if there is any leak. It doesn't need to be substantial to add up over time. Maybe put some cardboard under your oil pan.

 

Check your heater hoses too. I was losing coolant and couldn't find a leak. I went under the car and it looked like there was evidence of a leak from one of the hoses where they fit into the holder on the firewall. I couldn't really tell which one, so I replaced them both, and that seems to have fixed it.