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97 f350 7.3 water pump

1K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  Plato2k5 
#1 ·
I have a squeal and spots of coolant on the ground. Sooo looks like its time to do a water pump.

I've been doing some research and it seems people like to use the Airtex pumps that can be had for under $100 shipped instead of the Motorcraft which is $300+

another choice is the NAPA brand at $140 something?

anyone have any experience with either of these?? Do not want to have to do this again.
 
#2 ·
The NAPA brand is good. I personally do not like the Airtex pumps.
 
#3 · (Edited)
I look at it like this.

The oem part lasted how many miles? Is $300+ worth it to not have to fix it for that many more miles? OR is the $200 savings worth the gamble?

I know the cost is hugely different, and the process is also probably different, but I did a waterpump on my friends 4.3 liter sonoma. it took an hour and a few minutes, was fairly simple, she bought the cheapest waterpump she could find, in her case I'd do the same everytime as it was a quick easy job.

On the otherhand, if it had taken me 6 hours to do, I would have probably bought an OEM part in hopes it would last as long as the first.
 
#4 ·
I bought the Napa brand. Its brand new and i did some reviews and seems like a lot of 7.3 guys use it. Its lifetime warranty so if it does go bad I get a new one..... I'm not sure how old the pump that is on it is. The truck has 245k miles on it so I'm sure its not OEM.
 
#6 ·
I replaced mine with the lifetime Napa pump and it looks like it is better than the OEM in my opinion. All 1 peace casting as opposed to the pump with plastic water inlet bolted on on the one I took off. Replaced it 2 years ago and no issues.
 
#9 ·
I went with the Napa stat a few months ago and it Works great. I also used cardboard to block the radiator. It stays nice and warm while driving on the freeway.

I have a TS 6 position chip and it has the Hi-idle. That combined with my "jake brake" switch, thing will throw heat in 5 mins.
 
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