Water Pump Failure Prevention

[NzP]

mine is 2009, WP failed at 115k, coolant is clean(green) - I think nobody changed since 2009. I'm thinking should I change it if everything's fine?

[explorerrob]

On 10/14/2025 at 1:46 PM, enigma-2 said:

IThat's a bad sign. The water pump is leaking and he should NOT DRIVE THE CAR. It will cause damage. Get it serviced immediately. 

 

I'm going to have my 09 MKX  changed at around ~150—175k for preventive maintenance. At that time, will also have everything else that fails replaced as well, ie, timing chain and guides, cam phasers (not a common failure on naturally aspirated 350's, but why chance it), spark plugs, coil boots, PVC, etc.

 

On the fence over also changing the injectors and coils. 

 

Motorcraft parts only, of course. 

I will definitely be replacing everything behind the timing cover, only want to do this once. I drained a majority of the contaminated fluid, let it drain for about an hour. Filled.with fresh oil. Did not add coolant, -2 celcius so was not worried about it overheating running for a few min. Wanted  to start the car to see if it was hammering or knocking. That would be the deciding factor as to whether or not I fix or sell.  Sounded good so as soon as I finish the front hubs on the Mazda, into the garage it goes.

[464valve]

2011 Edge, 69K miles. Daughter ran out quick this morning and when she got home there was coolant leaking on the drive. 

 

Confirmed that it was coming for the weep passage. Dipstick is clean oil and the level

is not elevated. 

 

Pricing out parts for the water pump replacements. 

 

Opinions on what else should be replaced while in there?

 

What brand of aftermarket parts are you comfortable with?

 
Thanks  

 

[enigma-2]

Personally I would never use anything but OEM. Period.

 

I talked with my independent mechanic about this a month ago. What he does, cost, loaner, etc. He said he drops the sub frame to change the water pump. 

 

While the engine is out he also changes the timing chain, tensioners & chain guides (comes as a kit), plugs, coil packs, serpentine belt and tensioner, camshaft position sensors &  camshaft actuators.

 

Think there was one or two more items, but can't remember. Basically anything he can easily get to while the engine was out and is known to fail.

 

I mentioned the transmission OSS, etc & he said he does not touch anything on the transmission; unless its a problem.

 

Change all fluids of course: oil, transmission,  steering, brake and coolant. Change air cleaner. 

 

Clean throttle body, MAF & EGR.

 

Though inspection of all suspension and steering components. 

 

Most of the engines this mechanic works on are over 150k so you could afford to be conservative due to your milage.)

 

But ...! ALL PARTS ARE MOTORCRAFT. 

 

 

.

 

 

Edited 3 hours ago by enigma-2