When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi everyone, although my '99 VDP ,with 74K miles, is running just fine currently, after reading the many posts on this forum, I'm taking the preventative action and preparing to replace the timing chain tensioners on my X308 motor, and while it's apart I intend to replace the water pump, which I understand has a plastic impeller. I also thought about replacing the plastic thermostat housing with the aluminium type, however the readily available ones on Amazon and other sites are either the URO at around $55, and the APA at over $90, neither of which have great reviews. Does anyone have a good quality metal alternative they could recommend. The current housing does not leak.
I thank you in advance for any suggestions here.
Clive
Take a look at SNG Barratt, Jagbits and Welsh Enterprises web sites. I have had good dealings with all 3 over the years and recommend their units. Prices go up and down based on availability/stock so I always compare the three.
+1 Welsh. Wherever you get it, make sure you replace the thermostat, and I highly recommend replacing the crossover pipe and the short hose at the same time.
From my observations, there are 2 qualities out there, hard to determine which is which though.
Seems the one from the big UK suppliers is good, the other one seems to show up with leaking problems sometimes.
I bought mine from the UK, including a new thermostat (!), no problems.
BTW. if you paint it black before install, it stands out much less in the engine bay.
I checked Welsh, Jagbits and Barrat and barrat was the least expensive at $44, however their water pump was $215,whereas Welsh was $36 and Jagbits was $100. That's quite a spread. I like the idea of painting it black Eric Jansen.
Hi everyone, although my '99 VDP ,with 74K miles, is running just fine currently, after reading the many posts on this forum, I'm taking the preventative action and preparing to replace the timing chain tensioners on my X308 motor, and while it's apart I intend to replace the water pump, which I understand has a plastic impeller. I also thought about replacing the plastic thermostat housing with the aluminium type, however the readily available ones on Amazon and other sites are either the URO at around $55, and the APA at over $90, neither of which have great reviews. Does anyone have a good quality metal alternative they could recommend. The current housing does not leak.
I thank you in advance for any suggestions here.
Clive
ÜRO is a part of APA-Industries, i had never a problem with ÜRO...................
I bought the tower from Welsh, along with the new crossover pipe (which includes a new temp sensor). Also buy the stubby hose. My airtex wp leaked. Second time, went with AC Delco -- flawless and far less expensive.
By now, 20 year later, my concern should not be the 'plastic' or steel discussion (plastics technology came a long long way), but the design of the vanes.
I have read on various forums that the design of some steel vanes induce cavitation (bubbles due to vacuum, on the backside of the vanes).
If so, it will deteriorate your steel vanes much quicker than 2018-plastics will due to age.
I do have to add that I only have this info from forums (which is the usual "hear-say"), but I know what cavitation is from my naval engineering background.
It is something you don't want inside your system.
PS. I think the Airtex is still "plastic", just a different color and different material than the problematic 90-tish version.
Some additional info on metal impellers: I bought one for my 97, but the casting was extremely rough, which I'm sure would promote cavitation. I used my Fordham flex shaft tool and small files to polish the vanes.
'99 VDP Thermostat Housing
