Water Pump for 1988 GT (Page 1/1)
kjelle69 OCT 31, 03:30 PM
I discovered a leak in the water pump "Telling-hole". Guess it's time to get a new pump.
Anyone that knows the best pump and where to get it, preferrably in EU?

Also suggestions in where to find a good write up of how to change it is very welcome.
cvxjet OCT 31, 03:44 PM
Don't have a suggestion- beyond The Fiero Store- for a water pump, but absolutely critical, make sure you get a water pump with a METAL impeller.

The plastic impellers do work on new, fully designed-for-plastic-impeller water pumps, but on the Fiero V6, the plastic impeller Expands and then starts to slip on the shaft.

I installed one w/plastic impeller while doing my engine swap, and the car started overheating going to work in the morning- was able to get it home by removing the thermostat (Less drag on the system)...after a week or so someone on here told me about this problem, so I then bought another water pump- with metal impeller- and installed it.

Better to do it right the first time...
Patrick OCT 31, 04:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by kjelle69:

Also suggestions in where to find a good write up of how to change it is very welcome.



There's plenty of good info in my thread from ten years ago - Where the heck is this coolant leaking from?
Boozeman OCT 31, 04:28 PM
Fair warning - I bought the one from the Fiero Store, and it had a plastic impeller. Bought Murray part #CP5001 from O'reilly, and it had the metal impeller. $49.99 back in Feb. Be sure to get the little clamp that holds your timing cover on when you remove the water pump, or you'll get to buy another gasket and seal that back up too! Good luck!
TakeTwo OCT 31, 07:25 PM
I replaced a waterpump on a GT I restored and sold in 2022, the new owner is a close family friend. The pump was from the F.S. with a plastic impeller.. he has just over 20k now. I'm wondering if any issues will pop up and or if he's actually having them already and not noticing? Not a fun job but I'll replace it with a metal impeller is that's truly important.
Vintage-Nut OCT 31, 07:54 PM
Read this thread from May-2024; Kitskaboodle bought Bosch p/n 98054 AFTER he found:

quote
Bad news… (and a word to the Fiero wise) I just got my box from Rockauto and the Gates 43092 water pump is made in China but even worse than that, the description at Rockauto says it has a cast iron impeller but in fact it’s clearly black plastic!



Water pump Replacement advice? by Kitskaboodle
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/100709.html

To me, I look for New/Old Stock - I found a NOS GM water pump with meter impeller for a 'spare' and this info is also in this thead:


quote
Me {Vintage-Nut}:
If you want a 'classic' GM water pump with a METAL impeller, search these discontinued GM numbers:

14024302 (1980)
14024302 was replaced with 14029860 (1981)
14029860 was replaced with 14033483 (1982) and discontinued 1984

14033234 is interchangeable with 14054847 and 14054555 (1984)

14054555 was replaced with 14033483 (1986)
14033483 was replaced with 14101304 (1987)
14101304 is interchangeable with 10054510 (1988)
10054510 was replaced with 10120945 (1989)
10120945 was replaced with 10174860 (1993)
10174860 is interchangeable with 12482696 (2003) corresponding ACDelco p/n 251-621

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

Dennis LaGrua NOV 04, 10:29 AM
My opinion s that the water pump with the metal impeller is the better choice. The one with the disc shielded metal impeller are the best but are no longer available. Replacing a water pump on a 35-39 yr old Fiero is at times difficult. We've replaced a few when removing the smaller mounting bolts they have sheared off.. With the working space that the 2.8L engine allows in the engine compartment the job can be difficult. TIP: Before you start tape a plastic bag over the fiberglass compartment insulation on the passenger side otherwise be prepared to be itchy for a while.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

css9450 NOV 04, 02:27 PM
I've used the water pumps from Autozone in a few cars; all have had the metal vanes. It shouldn't be a difficult item to buy locally since GM used it on the 2.8 engine in many different cars. Look at their website for the nearest store that has one in stock. You can open the box and check it before you buy.

It is disappointing when you order them from Fiero Store or Rock Auto and they show up with the plastic vanes.... But that is how it goes considering they are all made in China now and are essentially just stuck in whatever box they're supposed to be branded as.
kjelle69 NOV 08, 08:34 PM
Seems that the pump available here in Sweden have the extra coolant pipe.
Can you just block it off with a hose and a plug?
Haven't got the pump yet so I cant tell if it's threaded or pressed in. Thought of removing my plug from the old pump and put it there in that case.