Glenn O'Connor wrote:
> Jack Miller's about 2 or 3 miles south of me. Have used them for service
in
> the past, as well as one new purchase. However, as far as the belt/water
> pump, Advance Auto's even closer. Don't really know if OEM parts are
better,
> or not Bill.
I agree with Steve B. on the water pump. The only aftermarket water
pump I would trust is Gates, and I don't think Advance is going to stock
Gates. I'm not saying that other aftermarket brands won't be good or
OK, but unless you know for sure about a particular brand, you just
don't know. Check out www.rockauto.com. Oops - just checked them on
the water pump - they don't carry Gates water pump, but they do carry
the kit (belt and idler pulley) for $97.
I say get the water pump from the dealer - this is not something that
you want to have to re-do on this car because of typical crappy
aftermarket part early failure ("Oh - it's got a lifetime warranty, so
what are you worried about!?" - yeah - well, will you pay the labor too?
Didn't think so). Lists for $100 - around $80 from discount dealers.
When I had a shop do my '98 Concorde t-belt, pump, accessory belts and
their idlers, hoses and thermostat two years ago, with me supplying the
parts, I got all Gates (from Rock Auto) except I got an OEM water pump.
IMO...
Bill Putney
(To reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with the letter 'x')
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