1995 Kia Sephia water pump change out.

[ls1mike]

First what a pile. It is the very reason I try not to own a car with timing belt and the water pump tucked in behind it.

Valve cover off 210,000 miles. Last oil change? Who knows. I added a quart of oil and it didn't register on the dipstick.
It is my buddie's daughter's car.

Looking down at the water pump minus the pulley. You can see the pump below the spring for the timing belt tensioner.

Such a stupid design to get to a part that fails.

This is waterpump 3 in 210,000 miles, It has had two radiators, 1 headgasket, 2 powersteering pumps and the A/C no longer works. That is just what I can remember.

 

[2oldtommy]

Water pumps usually last longer than the replacement interval for the timing belt. That is why it's a no brainer to replace the water pump at the same interval. By the looks of the lack of oil changes it is probable that the radiator had the same neglect. Or, a silicate coolant was used in place of the factory specified type. Silicates will kill a water pump seal not designed to work in that environment. Refill with Peak Global Lifetime or an equivalent when you change it. FWIW--Oldtommy

 

[stephen9666]

You are preaching to the choir about timing belts and water pumps. I'm personally not a huge fan of timing belts, or water pumps that are driven by them.

But, what brand of water pump was the replacement, and do you remember approximately how long the OE and replacement pumps lasted? It seems strange that you'd go through 3 in 210k miles. The previous poster also makes a good point about coolant, but I don't know what that vehicle specs for coolant.

 

[ls1mike]

Previous two pumps were done at the KIA dealer. The daughter has only had the car about a year. Still had good coolant with distilled water. I don't think she understands oil...

We bought a brand new Napa pump this time. Not sure why this pumped failed. First pump was at 80,000 ish miles when the head gasket failed. That pump failed at 155,000ish. The timing belt was done both times.

Worst part about this pump is that the timing belt does not drive the pump, but you still have to remove it to replace it.

John, the owner, who I have known for 15 years was a Mechanic at Ford for 5 years before joining the Navy. He is now a Radioman Chief on Submarines. So he is pretty meticulous when it comes to car maintenance.