FYI:  The German Laso water pumps have an extremely high failure rate
(~12%).  Use the Italian made Graf pumps instead.

BTW: Before anyone starts a flame war on the statement above, it comes
directly from my parts supplier (they are one of the largest importers of
auto parts in the USA).

Cheers,

Jeff
www.vanagonparts.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Robert Lilley
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 12:49 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Would you replace your water pump if:

It is a Bus Depot German, from the same make of the original, water pump.
I will check the shaft play and make a determination as what to do...

Robert

P.S. Thanks to all that responded...

-----Original Message-----
From: THX0001@aol.com [mailto:THX0001@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 15, 2004 2:56 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM; RClilleyjr@COX.NET
Subject: Re: Would you replace your water pump if:

In a message dated 9/14/04 7:00:28 PM, RClilleyjr@COX.NET writes:

<< I have read on the list that the average life of the pump is 50K.

Is it prudent or overkill and just wait another year or so to change the
pump?
 >>

Robert,

This is a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don't situation.  If it is an
authentic VW pump, I would not change it.  If it is an aftermarket pump and
you
replace it with an aftermarket item, there is very little predictability
with
either.  In my experience, the only positive thing about a Vanagon water
pump is
that they usually do not fail catastrophically, so there is ample time to
replace a failing one at your convenience.

Once, I had an aftermarket pump fail in less than 5 Kmi.  In reality, it had

failed early on with no signs of leakage, but I was too preoccupied with
chasing an intermittent fan belt squeal to notice.  It seems that what I
thought
was a squealing fan belt was the sound of the water pump impeller milling
away
the engine case due to too much end thrust.

George