Dodge Ram 3500 water pump

37chief · Jan 4, 2016

Before next spring I need to replace the water pump on my Dodge Ram. I found one on ebay said to be a Gates pump for around 60.00. I know Gates co has been around for a long time, mostly making belts. I wonder if they get pumps from China and slap on their name. Then I found a no name pump for 40.00 free shipping on ebay. Which way would go? Gates pump, or the other. I know there is not a lot of money involved here. Twenty bucks is 20 bucks. Then I could go to the dealer if I wanted, and get the best. The pump doesn't look like a bad job to change. Stan

the tractor vet · Jan 4, 2016

They all come from China unless you buy OEM and the price will reflect on where it is made . So ya want a Cheap pump then go to any of the big box outparts stores and get a pump that has a life time warranty that way you pay for the first one and get the rest free . One word of advice hand chamfer the hole where the heater tube goes in or you will cut the O/Ring and good luck finding one to replace it with , don't ask how i know.

4play · Jan 5, 2016

You probably can't tell who makes the pump or where it comes from, many places just put their label on it or their box. If I was shopping for one and had concerns I would probably obtain locally. If buying local you are at least investing some of the money in your community and if you needed warranty support later on it would be easier and quicker to deal with.

Gambles · Jan 5, 2016

New Gates water pumps are made in China. I guess it's your decison.

John B. · Jan 5, 2016

If it's a gas engine and has over 70k miles replace the timing chain & sprockets while you have our water pump off. I've seen many chains very loose at 70K miles. With the water pump off the chain is right there. It's free labor once you're that far.

Bryan inIowa · Jan 5, 2016

warranty ?

Steve@Advance · Jan 5, 2016

I had an 01 Silverado. Original pump went 150,000.

Next pump, aftermarket, don't remember the brand, China, lasted 10,000, pulley broke.

Warranted, replaced with a different brand, China, leaked around the top water neck.

The 3rd pump, a Delco brand bought online, has held up, no problems for 100,000 miles.

But guess where it was from... Yep, Hecho en China! So, China can build as much quality they are paid to build.

I base water pump, (or any part) purchase on several factors, ease of installation, life expectancy of the vehicle, how much I or the customer wants to spend, if the vehicle is on the road or local, who drives it... Not an easy decision!

Oregon Tractor Jack · Jan 5, 2016

I buy water pumps for my 05 and 06 Cummins from Rock Auto. Good prices, fast shipping and excellent customer service. If you are going to buy one water pump, better have a spare on hand. Even the Delco brand is "Honco en China". I always have a replacement on the shelf just in case.

Oregon Tractor Jack · Jan 5, 2016

while you are in there changing the pump check all of the idler pulleys and the fan bearings. Did a pump on my sons 06 Cummins with 130k on the clock and the fan bearing was shot and the idler pulley bearing was thinking about going south. It's cheap insurance.

JBDyer · Jan 5, 2016

Here is a trick some parts houses are using. You can buy Pump A and say it costs $50 and has a year warranty, or they sell pump B and its $75 and has a three year warranty, here is the catch it is the exact same pump. I got shanghaied on an Chevy starter a year ago by our local parts house. I now internet shop some of these things and ask a lot of questions. JBD

w1ebb · Jan 6, 2016

I just today replaced the original water pump on my wife's 99 Yukon at 190K. I replaced the original alternator last week. I replaced the original ac compressor last summer.
I'm going to replace the belt tensioner next week because it is weak.
My older son is a manager at Auto Zone, so all my replacement parts are AZ Lifetime Warranty. I hope this stuff holds up half as good as the original!

Scott

ObsoElitist · Jan 6, 2016

If its a Cummins engine, buy the pump from Cummins. Other brands last about one year.
If gas, anything goes.

Dodge Ram 3500 water pump

37chief

Well-known Member

the tractor vet

Well-known Member

4play

Well-known Member

Gambles

Well-known Member

John B.

Well-known Member

Bryan inIowa

Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

Oregon Tractor Jack

Member

Oregon Tractor Jack

Member

JBDyer

Member

w1ebb

Member

ObsoElitist

Member

Similar threads