Need Performance Water Pump Recommendations

[StrokerMax]

Hello,

I have a GSX with a GT35R turbo, Stroker, fully built motor, and much more. Plan to run 550 - 600HP.

Well I just rebuilt my motor last year and have less than 2000 miles on the rebuild. Today I took the car out and noticed I'm leaking coolant somewhere around the water pump. The water pump has coolant all over it. I'm hoping its a leak around the coolant line that connects to the water pump but I think it could be the water pump. I'm not even sure how I went through a water pump in 2000 miles.

I purchased the AISIN Water pump which was the top line that Rock Auto had for sale. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1872306&cc=1205873&jnid=422&jpid=9

I'm looking for performance water pump recommendations. What brands have you guys had good luck with? Has anyone else had a pump go out in 2000 miles?

 

[Twinturbo120]

Are you sure its the water pump and not the pipe that connects to it? If the oring in there comes off it will leak.

 

[StrokerMax]

I sure hope thats it. Would make more sense with only having 2000 miles on the pump.

I just can't tell where the leak is coming from. There is coolant all over the top of the pump. I guess I could start with replacing that O ring to see if it stops the leak.

 

[Anmasher]

I bought a water pump back in August 2014 for a T-Belt job. It was a GMB brand as I've had good luck with those on other vehicles. About 500 miles later I decided the car needed a whole lot more work so pulled the powertrain and began rebuilding engine/trans. Somehow in that 500 miles the water pump started squeaking when rotated - quiet enough to only do it when turned by hand. I replaced it with a Gates which despite the photos showing something similar to your Aisin, I received the exact same pump as the squeaky one. Same factory, same cast iron/steel impeller. Car is a few weeks from road ready so no idea how long the new one lasts.

Given the difficulty of changing the water pump I think I would go with OEM Mitsubishi or find out who made the OEM and buy from them... if cash isn't an issue. I would not recommend Gates or GMB at all.

 

[Twinturbo120]

The oem mitsubishi one is made from AISIN.

 

[StrokerMax]

I bought a water pump back in August 2014 for a T-Belt job. It was a GMB brand as I've had good luck with those on other vehicles. About 500 miles later I decided the car needed a whole lot more work so pulled the powertrain and began rebuilding engine/trans. Somehow in that 500 miles the water pump started squeaking when rotated - quiet enough to only do it when turned by hand. I replaced it with a Gates which despite the photos showing something similar to your Aisin, I received the exact same pump as the squeaky one. Same factory, same cast iron/steel impeller. Car is a few weeks from road ready so no idea how long the new one lasts.

Given the difficulty of changing the water pump I think I would go with OEM Mitsubishi or find out who made the OEM and buy from them... if cash isn't an issue. I would not recommend Gates or GMB at all.

Good to know. I don't care as much about the price. I just want something that will last. This car spends more time broken down in the garage. Put on 300 miles then something blows up. Its sure a blast to drive when it runs. But I start to wish I had something that was stock and fast.

 

[StrokerMax]

The oem mitsubishi one is made from AISIN.

I really tried to get the best parts possible when I built the car. Its sounds like AISIN should be reliable. It would make sense if its just that dang o-ring. Leaks can be hard to pin point.

 

[dexterholland04]

AISIN is the OE manufacturer for our water pumps.

 

[TSi-Rocket]

Anmasher,I put a gmb water pump in my DD at least 6 years ago and have had no problems with it whatsoever. I did replace the water pipe o-ring when I put in the new pump. Maybe it was better quality back then or you received a defective pump?

 

[asexton6969]

Need to keep in mind parts do fail even when new. Also it depends on how you prep your work. Not everyone does the same thing when installing new parts. Some people skip putting gaskets in or even doing a water pipe o-ring. AISIN is OEM, GMB has been a good well known brand as well. I use alot of gates water pumps at my shop and I don't have a problem with them. Cooling system is service properly when installing a new pump and rarely see a warranty return. Does happen, have one honda that has been back twice for water pump leaking. Still scratching my head at that one.

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

I run gates without any problems so far and ran them on my SBC's too. OEM is always a good thing to use of course.

 

[MichaelSuch]

Check the bolt that holds the water pipe on. If it comes loose or is missing then that is the problem, the water pipe will not longer seal with the water pump.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Asin is a good one but I used auto store one because ive never had a oem one and they have lasted for years and years I do change them from when I need to.

 

[StrokerMax]

I tracked down the leak a little more today after work. Its not leaking out of the coolant inlet tube like I hoped. It is 99% for sure coming out of the water pump seals. Either that the seal between the block and the water pump but looks unlikely.

I called Rock Auto and I just exceeded the 1 year warranty on my AISIN pump. I'm still in shock that my pump blew out that quick. Less than 2000 Miles and 14 months. I guess the cost of a new pump isn't too bad. Its the hassle of doing a water pump replacement that's frustrating.

Now time to decide which pump to buy.

1) Get another AISIN (Looks like a good choice but my only hesitation is how long this one lasted.)
2) Gates (these look pretty cost effective)
3) GMB (these are pretty low cost as well.)

I would go the AISIN route... Just hesitant.

In 2000 miles my car has already eaten 2 alternators. 1 Cam angle sensor, and now a water pump.

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

Any three of the brands you listed will be fine. Make sure you are following torque specifications. Could it be the alignment of accessory belts or too much tension that may be contributing to water pump and alternator issues? Are you running a higher pressure radiator cap?

 

[StrokerMax]

Any three of the brands you listed will be fine. Make sure you are following torque specifications. Could it be the alignment of accessory belts or too much tension that may be contributing to water pump and alternator issues? Are you running a higher pressure radiator cap?

Thats a really good point. Maybe my accessory belts have too much tension. The water pump started leaking just after I replaced my last alternator. I went with the Galant alternator and made a heat shield this time. Heat has been the major issue with my car. I had to vent the hood. Wrap the manifold, downpipe, and exhaust housing. Also got the extender tube for my waste gate.

I had the machine shop assemble and time my motor. Usually they are pretty accurate but you never know.

Thanks for your input. I would have never thought of that being an issue

 

[StrokerMax]

I believe my radiator cap is higher pressure. It has the latch on top of the cap... Can't remember the brand