328 Water Pump replacement?

The water pump on a 328 is a relatively easy job so no need to do it unless it needs doing IMO.

Its either leaking or its not, the bearing either feels good, or it doesn't (!) and its relatively easy to check.

Lots of indy's use those aftermarket pumps, I have had a couple of them, they have been around for a long time.

The original can also be rebuilt (the aftermarket one cannot). It probably costs more to do it than buying the aftermarket pump though.

 

You can replace it now or when it starts to leak, but you will likely replace it at some point if you own the car long enough. Many replace them when they do the timing belt service.

 

I have had my 328 for just on 11 years and I haven’t replaced my water pump..It’s not leaking nor does the car overheat..
The car has traveled 24000 miles and I don’t have any record of it being replaced with all the service records that came with it either..
I’ve probably jinxed myself now though..

 

if you are digging around in there its not that big of a job. I just rebuilt the pump on my 88 mondi cab. No record of when it was done last, wasn't leaking, but I'm doing belts so not that big of a deal to rebuild the pump. The difference in feel (and sound) of the bearings that came out and the ones I put in was noticeable, I'm glad I did it. It doesn't cost that much more to exchange a pump with flying Dutchman (google him) for those who don't want to rebuild the pump personally. Some are easy, some the bearings get siezed and can be troublesome, for a little bit more $ just get one from flying Dutchman plug and play. In the gernal scope of things its a small ticket item to update if you are doing other things in there.

 

I forgot to add, I did buy one of those Aftermarket pumps from Eurospares a couple of years ago but have it with my collection of spare parts.

 

Replacing the water pump with every belt change is a bit of a stretch.

 

The cars are not made of crystal. If it required removal of the engine there is some justification but a long history of Ferrari owners being oversold has created a mindset that everything in reach must be replaced every time the car is serviced.

 

I've replaced my accessory belts 1-3 times (depending on the belt) - the pump isn't leaking, and the car isn't overheating. I've not bought and replaced the water pump just for the heck of it.

 

Agree - the only parts I replace routinely are parts that are on the OEM maintenance schedule. Other parts are replaced if there is an indication of the need to do so. I've always been a "If it aint broke, leave it the F^%# alone!" person; never been a "while you're in there" person so the OEM 1989 water pump is still in place and working fine...

 

I spoke with Superformance when I replaced my pump 8 years ago (the OEM one had been rebuilt once previously but was leaking again after three years of service) about the differences. They just said it was about offering a choice, nothing functionally different. The expensive one I ended up purchasing was manufactured by Capristo (I think it is/was also offered directly by Capristo the exhaust company) stamped on the nicely done pump casting, and the impeller was aluminum (the OEM impeller was brass).

The cheaper unit I believe has a plastic impeller. Probably a less precise casting, some have had casting porosity issues on aftermarket pumps, but I don't recall on Fchat any complaint on the Superformance offering. I have had 8 years of trouble free service on my pump, so I can't complain about cost.