GTV6 has 39K miles -- replace water pump or not?

salamandrrr · #1 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 12:54 PM

Hello,

I am finishing up headgasket replacement job on 1984 GTV6. I realized I have a hydraulic timing belt tensioner. I feel pretty exhausted and burned out right now on this job. I know it would be easier to replace it now since radiator and timing belt is out. BUT, I am leaning towards *not* replacing water pump, even thought I bought one...for these reasons...

1. Because 30K miles seems really far away (70K recommended replacement).

2. I drive short distances anyway, so maybe I'll run car until water pump fails completely. Any idea how many miles I could get out of it, 70K, 100K more?

3. I don't have the energy to figure out how to remove all that stuff, and I don't understand Alfisto's step-by-step, as it doesn't talk about hydraulic tensioner. There must be a gasket for the hydraulic tensioner and I don't have a new one anyways.

4. Removing the radiator and timing belt isn't all that time consuming anyways.

-->In summary, I won't be completing this job today or tomorrow, but within a week or so. That is why I posted here, to see if other people will weigh in and highly recommend a water pump replacement? I'm curious what non-burned out people will say...as my burned out body and mind says fahgettaboutit

.

Thanks,
Sal in Norcal

**alfasrule** · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:22 PM

It's a requirement. I've been burned not doing it and it's only 80 bucks. Do it!!!

**Gubi** · #3 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:36 PM

One thing I've definitely learned working on the Alfas: when I'm tired and in a rush and start thinking about just doing a "good enough" job, it's time to back off, take a deep breath, and take the time to do it right.

**bshorey** · #4 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by salamandrrr

Hello,

I am finishing up headgasket replacement job on 1984 GTV6. I realized I have a hydraulic timing belt tensioner. I feel pretty exhausted and burned out right now on this job. I know it would be easier to replace it now since radiator and timing belt is out. BUT, I am leaning towards *not* replacing water pump, even thought I bought one...for these reasons...

1. Because 30K miles seems really far away (70K recommended replacement).

2. I drive short distances anyway, so maybe I'll run car until water pump fails completely. Any idea how many miles I could get out of it, 70K, 100K more?

3. I don't have the energy to figure out how to remove all that stuff, and I don't understand Alfisto's step-by-step, as it doesn't talk about hydraulic tensioner. There must be a gasket for the hydraulic tensioner and I don't have a new one anyways.

4. Removing the radiator and timing belt isn't all that time consuming anyways.

-->In summary, I won't be completing this job today or tomorrow, but within a week or so. That is why I posted here, to see if other people will weigh in and highly recommend a water pump replacement? I'm curious what non-burned out people will say...as my burned out body and mind says fahgettaboutit

.

Thanks,
Sal in Norcal

**AR4me** · #5 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 02:45 PM

Two facts:
1. If you don't do the water pump, it will start leaking within 1 week.
2. If you do replace the water pump, it would have lasted another 30k miles.
Hope this helps

On a more constructive note, I agree with Tom and Brian - do the water pump. Take a day without thinking about the Alfa, and your fingers will be itching to get your hands on that water pump and replace it

Jes

salamandrrr · #6 (**permalink**) 07-02-2009, 05:43 PM

Thanks for the input, those are the fastest responses I have ever gotten on this board, I guess I touched some nerves, ha ha

.

On the water pump with those two octopus arms, it looks like I have to remove some bracket on the brake booster side to get to octo***** arm #1. And it looks like I need to remove my hydraulic tensioner and that smaller toothed gear right underneath camshaft toothed gear to get to octo***** arm #2. Am I correct?

I thought I read from Alfisto that I need to remove the motor mounts and drop / raise the motor -- is that necessary?

Thanks in advance,
Sal in Norcal

MarcoGtv6 · #7 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 10:35 AM

Remember some penetrating oil on those studs and let it soak! They tend to snap....

ToonRboy · #8 (**permalink**) 07-03-2009, 11:24 AM

With the accessory belts off, grab the nose of the water-pump pully and jerk back and forth. If you detect any axial play or clicking - replace it. Also, when you put it back together, do not tension the belt so much - this is part of why they fail early (kinda like over tightening wheel bearings).

Personally, I find it somewhat odd that you'd tackle a head gasket job but balk at a water pump?? The head gaskets are a much tougher job.

If you're still not sure, do a search in the GTV6 forum. I have a couple of good threads from last year when I did my de-tensioner and waterpump. Pretty much step-by-step. Oh, always make sure you have the appropriate pages from the shop manual handy when performing these jobs.

Good luck and do it right! - or you'll give new meaning to the phrase "exhausted and burned-out".

brookstroutr · #9 (**permalink**) 07-09-2009, 08:32 AM

Hey,

Not to be a dick, but you need to change the tensioner, belt & water pump while you're in there especially with your situation as it has low miles. People don't generally take into account the AGE of these parts that are effective from time - sitting!!!

Look simply at the work involved and this is also cheap insurance for what each of these individual parts can cause. I got my water pump from Andy @ Performatek which is a Bugatti Manufactured. Probably a little more, but worth the price for quality & performance.