IndianaRed
Member
As my chevy passed 394,000 miles 2 weeks ago, my water pump started to weep. Was pleased it lasted that long. Replaced the pump and thought all was well. But today, as the temps rose above 85, I noticed I was running a little warm. Realized fan clutch wasn't engaging. It sure seemed to work fine prior to pump change, but I guess it's been almost a year since it needed to work. I was pretty careful with it when I took it out, didn't notice any grease that had escaped. It did seem strange that when I reinstalled I couldn't get it tight, but I figured that's just how it was. (??) I also notice a little lateral play once it was back on, and I'm sure that's not good. Should I just head to the parts store, or might anyone have suggestions first. Help appreciated.
Interesting side note. Decided it was time to take the factory brakes off, even though there was no considerable wear on pads. Right rotor seemed to be warped. Took the old stuff out and the original from the factory pads had zero wear. Were exactly the same thickness as the new ones. And the rotors were fine too, one just needed turned. And these brakes had fully overheated flying down a Colorado Mountain towing a heavy load 3 years ago. Old pads never dusted the wheels, new ones are causing a lot of dust. Might just put the old pads back on.
Also, when I changed the water pump I checked the serp belt. Looked like new, put it back on. Have a new one ready to go, but not one crack or any noticable wear on original. So, with 397,000 miles on my 3/4 ton Express Van, it is still all factory original except for brakes, (which could still be factory), right front wheel bearing/hub, tires, and windshield. There is nothing coming out of Japan that can compare with that. Still drives me nutty seeing people, especially country folk, driving those dog-gone Asian trucks.
Can't say I'll buy another one though, at least not until the government has divested itself from ownership. Hopefully mine will still be running strong when that happens. If that happens.
Interesting side note. Decided it was time to take the factory brakes off, even though there was no considerable wear on pads. Right rotor seemed to be warped. Took the old stuff out and the original from the factory pads had zero wear. Were exactly the same thickness as the new ones. And the rotors were fine too, one just needed turned. And these brakes had fully overheated flying down a Colorado Mountain towing a heavy load 3 years ago. Old pads never dusted the wheels, new ones are causing a lot of dust. Might just put the old pads back on.
Also, when I changed the water pump I checked the serp belt. Looked like new, put it back on. Have a new one ready to go, but not one crack or any noticable wear on original. So, with 397,000 miles on my 3/4 ton Express Van, it is still all factory original except for brakes, (which could still be factory), right front wheel bearing/hub, tires, and windshield. There is nothing coming out of Japan that can compare with that. Still drives me nutty seeing people, especially country folk, driving those dog-gone Asian trucks.
Can't say I'll buy another one though, at least not until the government has divested itself from ownership. Hopefully mine will still be running strong when that happens. If that happens.
