[Black_97_LX]

OK, I just bought a 96 Tbird sport w/ 207K miles, and it has a few problems.

I did a search, and I THINK that I have a bad water pump. (the dealer said so, and what I've found here somewhat confirms that) I lose maybe a few drops of coolant over night, but when the car runs, it drips steadily from below the pulleys--enough to puddle and run-off. But, (and this is a good thing) it doesn't seem to overheat. The temp gauge climbs to the half-way point fairly quickly, but doesn't go further, and it doesn't smell hot. Also, there is a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment, that I hope is the water pump, if it's bad, but I can't tell exactly where the sound is coming from.

I'm sorry if the answer seems obvious. I just don't want to start throwing money at this car. I'd like to be sure I'm on target first.

Thanks,
John

 

[whitecoug]

It does sound like the pump is bad. I had this problem a few months back. It would never leak when it was off, but running and right after it was shut off, the pump would beginto leak. A reman water pump runs about $50, I got mine from a reputable mechanic, so I'm not too worried about the quality. Easy to relace, about 30 min job.

Joe

 

[N8!]

the water pumps on these things are fairly easy to replace a few bolts holding it on. drain the fuild. A new gasket and your done. If your leaking fuild though I don't care what the temp gauge says stop driving it and get it fixed unless you want to spend a few thousand on new heads too. It definetly sounds like the water pump or its gasket let go. Now might be a good time to replace those upper lower ect. hoses too with that many miles if they havent already.
N8!

 

[281Sleeper]

and replace the thermostat too.

 

[Black_97_LX]

Hey, thanks!!! That was fast, too!

 

[JustinH]

rockauto has a reman water pump for 26 dollars, and the gasket for 2.61

 

[lightevergreenfrost]

We (Advance auto)have them new for $41.28 with a lifetime warranty gasket included. Or a remanufactured for $22.49 ($9.00 core) with 1 year. I've replaced mine with the lifetime one about 2 years ago without a problem yet.

 

[Black_97_LX]

Thanks again!!!

 

[Casper]

i just bought the bullit waterpump.

 

[The Great Obucina]

I can get you a brand new 01 Cobra waterpump for about 60$...PM if you are interested.

joseph

 

[Black_97_LX]

Well, I'm not looking to upgrade this car. I was told the car had one previous owner, but other than that, I don't know how abused the car was during those 207k miles, and I don't know how long the rest of the car will last. As I own the car longer, and feel more comfortable that it is stable, I'll put better parts on. (If that makes any sense)

 

[tinman_72]

I can get you a brand new 01 Cobra waterpump for about 60$...

What is the advantange with the 01 Cobra waterpump? The standard waterpump is already aluminum.

 

[Johnny Langton]

What is the advantange with the 01 Cobra waterpump? The standard waterpump is already aluminum.

The impeller design is more efficient.It creates less drag(free HP),and still moves ample water for cooling.
The same impeller design was used on the '99-present Mustangs,and a few others as well.
JL

 

[66dvlbrd68]

The impeller design is more efficient.It creates less drag(free HP),and still moves ample water for cooling.
The same impeller design was used on the '99-present Mustangs,and a few others as well.
JL

I wish I woulda known that before I replaced my water pump a few months ago. Damn me and my not searching for things. Good to know though. Where/how did you find this out? You never cease to amaze me.

 

[gdog]

OK, I just bought a 96 Tbird sport w/ 207K miles, and it has a few problems.

I did a search, and I THINK that I have a bad water pump. (the dealer said so, and what I've found here somewhat confirms that) I lose maybe a few drops of coolant over night, but when the car runs, it drips steadily from below the pulleys--enough to puddle and run-off. But, (and this is a good thing) it doesn't seem to overheat. The temp gauge climbs to the half-way point fairly quickly, but doesn't go further, and it doesn't smell hot. Also, there is a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment, that I hope is the water pump, if it's bad, but I can't tell exactly where the sound is coming from.

I'm sorry if the answer seems obvious. I just don't want to start throwing money at this car. I'd like to be sure I'm on target first.

Thanks,
John

It will sure get hot if you forget to watch the coolant level. Replacing the two idler pulleys might get rid of your grinding, those bearings go bad. While you have your pump off, pull the timing cover and replace that gasket and front seal.
This job will cost less than $100, + your free labor.

 

[RalphP]

OK, I just bought a 96 Tbird sport w/ 207K miles, and it has a few problems.

I did a search, and I THINK that I have a bad water pump. (the dealer said so, and what I've found here somewhat confirms that) I lose maybe a few drops of coolant over night, but when the car runs, it drips steadily from below the pulleys--enough to puddle and run-off. But, (and this is a good thing) it doesn't seem to overheat. The temp gauge climbs to the half-way point fairly quickly, but doesn't go further, and it doesn't smell hot. Also, there is a grinding noise coming from the engine compartment, that I hope is the water pump, if it's bad, but I can't tell exactly where the sound is coming from.

I'm sorry if the answer seems obvious. I just don't want to start throwing money at this car. I'd like to be sure I'm on target first.

Thanks,
John

It will sure get hot if you forget to watch the coolant level. Replacing the two idler pulleys might get rid of your grinding, those bearings go bad. While you have your pump off, pull the timing cover and replace that gasket and front seal.
This job will cost less than $100, + your free labor.

GDog - Hopefully Black_97_LX took care of that back in 2004, when he posted that message.

Might want to check the date of messages you're replying to; it's fairly easy to perform thread necromacy with the way VerticalScope has laid the forum out. (Which is a thread for a DIFFERENT subforum ... but I digress.)

RwP