So this spring I'll be doing a full cooling system drain and flush. I've replaced all of the hoses a few years ago but I realized that as far as I know, the motor still has the original water-pump on it. (1999, 135k miles).

While the cooling system is drained, should I go ahead and replace the water-pump or should I leave it alone?

As of now I have never detected any leaks, sounds or other malfunction with it.

Are their upgraded pumps that might be worth installing? I'm planning on keeping the Blazer for another 5 years or so and I do tow a boat with it.

Thanks

 

Wouldnt hurt, pretty sure you have to drop the oil pan for the water pump

 

You do not need to drop the pan to change the pump. It does however take longer to get to the pump than it does to actually change it lol.


If you have the extra cash then there's no harm in doing it

 

Getting the fan off of the water pump is the hardest part (unless you switched to efans).

 

A well placed blow with an Air chisel , or chisel and hammer on the nut will almost always break the fan/clutch loose so you can pull it right off the pulley with ease. Also, I second blazenreds notion, pan does not need to be dropped for water pump...it does for the timing chain cover though.

 

Thanks all.

Didn't think dropping the oil pan would be necessary.

Any suggestions on the brand(s) of water pump to use or avoid?

 

LOL-ing as this is pretty much the same story with just about everything on our Blazers. It's getting everything out of the way first that takes time.

 

And the "I'm already dirty" factor. Come on Sister. Change the pump. The coolant drain pan is already under it. I'm fussy but I play in the snow and don't want to get stuck with the old emergency bag of walnuts in the console. They're not for eating, they're for catching something to eat.

 

If You intend to shoot them with a bow sling, You may consider using a Rusty Nuts too

 

Sorry, Just realized I was thinking timing chain cover is when you remove oil pan