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