Recommend water pump replacemant? 165K

[Bonneville'sRock]

Our 2000 SLE (non-supercharged) now has 165k on it and has been leaking some coolant (upper intake area) for awhile. I plan on replacing the lower intake (GM alum. gaskets), (alum. elbows), upper intake with gaskets (New APN type) and valve cover gaskets this weekend and getting rid of the DEX coolant. Question I have is should I replace the water pump while I'm in there? (don't think it has ever been replaced)....

[94SilverSSEi]

For the most part: my logic. If ain't broke, don't fix it. Most everything that came on the car is a better part than the aftermarket junk that are replacement parts.

But that being said I changed my waterpump and have had zero issues with it so far. If you want piece of mind it might be worth it to buy a name brand one, otherwise I'd leave it well enough alone.

Just my $0.02

[tallbump]

Not sure on that body styel as I have a 98. I don't know what all you have to remove to do the work you're planning.

but on mine, I had to remove the alternator and a fw other things just to do the water pump. If you have to do that, you might as well do the water pump while you're at it.

If not, I wouldn't bother.

One recommendation I would make though, if you do the water pump, is get a good nylon gasket. When I first put mine on, I only used the generic felt gasket that came with it. That was a waste of time. Ended up ripping it back off and replacing it with a nylon one which was less than $10. Also, make sure you THOROUGHLY clean the side of the motor where the pump attaches. Get that thing nice and shiny. If you leave any gun on there, you won't get a good seal.

[harofreak00]

Since the coolant will already be drained and you'll have extremely easy access to the area, I'd do it.

[myfirstbonnie]

I agree, change it and flush the radiator and heater core too. You are that far, you might as well make sure the whole system is top notch.