Yes, I know there are multiple threads on water pumps and replacements, but did not see this specific discussion.


I am proactively replacing all coolant hoses on my 2000 XK8 which has been sitting in storage for about 5 years, and while I was at it thought I would proactively replace the water pump, even though it had no evidence of problems.


I ordered an AC Delco, since certainly that is a respected brand. Comparing the OEM pump to the ACD though, there are numerous areas that give me pause.


The ACD pump has a cast iron impeller with very rough surface finish. Additionally, the ports on the ACD are smaller and rough compared to very smooth and finished hard anodized ports on the OEM which also has a white plastic impeller. I can't imagine there is not a flow difference.


I suppose the AC Delco may work OK, but the design and finish quality are not in the same league as the OEM.


I plan on cleaning up the old pump and reinstalling it.

I seem to be inept at inserting images, but here is a link to a side by side photo in the gallery:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/g/picture/4586747 or perhaps this: http://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.jagu...d593cbf0e2.jpg

 

I would like to know the price difference.

 

In the older XK8 models such as yours, I believe that plastic impeller is what fails and breaks apart. You may be better off installing the aftermarket unit with the metal impeller. Wait for some of the older model owners to chime in here before you put that OEM unit back on your car....

 

many threads here say DON'T use the metal impeller units. My 03 went 100k on the orig OEM pump. I would take that many mile out of a WP any day of the week so I went with the OEM on mine when I replaced it. If you got if it off DON'T reuse it. These things are cheap, very
cheap as Jag parts go. I paid like 60 bucks for mine. Chances are if you just put the old one back on it will leak. I did ALL of my hoses, then my WP started leaking!

 

My pump had the black impeller, the thin metal gasket with the cut outs in it with the rubber around those two openings, and the o-ring.

 

This is what I put on mine. Don't know if it was a gates, but it is just like this one though this does not show the impeller. that is the same o-oring and gasket type the came off mine. I had got the metal impeller one but it has no o-ring and a cheap paper gasket i was not real comfy with. Look cheap and prone to LEAK.

 

This link to my R&R of my water pump. I hope it helps!

Link.http://www.jagrepair.com/WaterPumpCrossoverPipexk8.htm

Gus
www.jagrepair.com

 

Thanks, that is helpful, and confirms I made the right decision in buying a new crossover also.


My old pump did not have the o-ring by the way. Since it is a white rather than black impeller, possible it was replaced at some point. I am going with a new OEM pump which seems to be about $40 more than the AC Delco (`$100 vs ~$60).


The plastic impeller WP on my wife's BMW is still fine after 190,000 miles, and when she had it in for service and all new hoses the BMW dealer mechanic advised against installing a new pump, so I really don't think the plastic impeller material (new design) is a concern.

 

64vette,

As I recall, it was a specific type of plastic used in a specific run of OEM Water pumps for a year or two. The new plastic is different than the one that self destructed (mine did once).