They seep until they let coolant into the bearings, displacing the lube.
Then the bearings fail. Don't know if there is a timeline for this, but,
you have already been warned. Heed it, or not. Your choice. Fix it at home
or on the road, your choice.
I put one in, next to the last time out. $360.00 tow, Overnight
campout in tow yard, cost yet to be determined as it was Judy's birthday.
$20.00 cab ride to pick up the new water pump. $300.00 to have 2 guys stop
what they were doing and install the pump. The pump was new ball and roller
design. Less than $50.00. New Anti-freeze, thermostat, radiator cap, gasket
, lower hose, belts, etc.
Jim Hupy
Salem, Or
> Thanks John, Bob and Ken,
>
> OK, i’ll be getting this pump then: Cardone Industries 55-21118H
> >
https://www.summitracing.com/oh/parts/aaz-55-21118h/overview/ <
>
https://www.summitracing.com/oh/parts/aaz-55-21118h/overview/>
> Its nice to get a clear consensus of opinions, thanks
>
> As to the timing chain, hmmm… My guess is that its NOT the original
> plastic cam, but i’m not 100% sure.
> I bought the coach in 2002 from Dennis Richardson / GMC-RV in Industry
> CA, with a fresh rebuilt engine
> and that was 53,000 miles ago.
> (Being new to GMC’s back then, and with the coach being a lien sale, i’m
> not sure exactly who rebuilt the engine,
> and so we’re not 100% sure that whoever rebuilt the engine replaced the
> timing chain!…
> but i’d imagine they’d have to be crazy NOT to replace it).
> Anyway, regardless, If we know that the chain is at least 17 years and
> 53,000 miles old,
> then does the safe money say to replace it (while we’re kinda already in
> there)??
>
> well, the plot thickens a bit:
> If the job was limited to just the water pump, then I was figuring i'd get
> the work done
> at a trusted mechanic’s shop down in Tijuana, next week.
> But if we’re adding a timing chain to the mix, hmmm…
> Its not like the parts prices or Tijuana-priced labor will be all that
> expensive.
> Its more a question of making sure they do the job 100% correctly; Plus,
> camping out down there while they do the work.
> (My coaches are the only GMCs they’ve ever worked on, but… its just an
> Old Toronado when it comes down to it, right? ha!)
>
> > timing chain is some extra work, as you really need to remove the
> shroud, fan/clutch. then lift the engine up to get the front mount off.
> as well as all the hassle of making sure timing marks are correct(use a
> straight edge), and getting the timing cover in place with the lower seal.
>
> > The roller chain is great for race applications. With high RPM's, and
> high valve spring pressures. The chain/sprockets sets are about $35.
> Gasket/seal set is about $16.
>
> I recall the double roller chain being what Miguel used in my 403 Eleganza
> last year.
> (I wish i could afford to have Miguel/MGM do ALL my coaches work!)
> Do you recommend the same double roller in a 455?
>
> Anyway,… the overview:
> The water pump leak has been pretty minor, having to add maybe a quart of
> coolant to the reservoir tank
> every 100 miles or so. Its my understanding that this leak is basically
> the pump’s internal seal starting to go.
> Given the nature of how exactly the pump's seals fail,
> is it safe to say that maybe i can put this work off for another few
> thousand miles of vigilant driving?
> Or... Could the leak open up all of a sudden, and then i’m over-heating
> and stranded, or risking blowing the engine?
> The temptation to put the job off til next spring is pretty strong. But…
> getting things out of the way is also tempting
>
> Thanks for reading, and many thanks for any further experienced advice!
> Cheers
> Greg Weber / SolarSonic / Los Angeles
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