Mechanics advice?

"Chairman Kaga" (mike-mckinnon)
05/26/2015 at 12:24 • Filed to: None

So I was getting ready to start buttoning up my GTV6 this past weekend. I got the head on and torqued down, the manifold reinstalled, and was in the process of attaching the thermostat housing to the water pump... when I dropped one of the bolts right down its throat. NO way to fish it out, so after much swearing and kicking of boxes, I decided to pull the pump.

I actually hadn’t planned to since the parts are NLA and/or extremely expensive. Mine is relatively new with no leaks or rattles. I know it’s a risk, but one I was generally OK with.

However, now that it’s yanked, I’m torn. Should I pay $200 to have it rebuilt? There are no rebuild kits available so I don’t even know if it’s possible. Maybe sourcing parts from later versions of the Busso V6 from Europe. But damn. Expensive.

Do I pay $250+tax and shipping for the last known reman pump in North America?

Or do I rely on some Hylomar sealant, a new gasket, and a prayer to keep my old pump running?

DISCUSSION (5)

crowmolly > Chairman Kaga
05/26/2015 at 12:39

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Super-Magnet…

This tied to a string works for me for non-magnetic parts. If it gets stuck, well, you were tearing it down anyway.

Is it a new-ish OEM pump or parts house?

Chairman Kaga > crowmolly
05/26/2015 at 12:41

The bolt got stuck in the impeller vanes. I had a freaking neodymium magnet from a speaker, but no luck.

It was a reman pump from one of the Italian specialty parts places, I’m sure. That’s been the only source in the States for the past decade or so.

RallyWrench > Chairman Kaga
05/26/2015 at 13:25

No! That’s the worst feeling.

Given that it’s fairly new, and as much of a pain as they are to get, I’d be inclined to reinstall it with fresh seals. There is the risk of releasing & retensioning the belt inducing a bearing issue, but if you keep an eye on it & give the pulley a shake periodically to gauge it you should be ok.

Chairman Kaga > RallyWrench
05/26/2015 at 13:38

At this point I’ve gotten so good at pulling out the front end of the car, installing a new one if this one fails wouldn’t even be that onerous.

Nobi > Chairman Kaga
05/26/2015 at 13:38

Is $250 worth the peace of mind that you’ll not have to worry about the pump for many, many miles? If the answer is yes, do it.