VanKo

Spent all day working on the van in preparation for a cross country trip. I was ready to go last week when the water pump crapped out on me. Seeing as how I would have everything apart, I opted to replace a few other things that were leaking so I could do it all in one shot. The water pump was obviously non-negotiable as it was leaking. The power steering pump and hydroboost have been leaking for a while. The hydroboost was actually leaking into the cab and running down the floor. I am moving north to a colder climate and figured that the seals would shrink even further and I would end up replacing these parts anyway so I just did them now. I would rather fix what needs to be fixed now and not break down. Fingers crossed, I certainly hope this is the last of it.

Today:
Water pump (AC Delco new)
Power steering pump (AC Delco reman)
Hydroboost (AC Delco new)
Upper and lower radiator hose (AC Delco)
Radiator cap (AC Delco)
A/C stretch fit belt (GM)
Serpentine belt (Gates Fleet Runner, done last week)
Tensioner (Gates Premium - steel pulley)
Idler pulley (Gates Premium)

Last batch of repairs:
Front coil springs (GM)
Front and rear shocks (Gabriel Ultra)
Upper control arms (Moog CK series)
Tires (Bridgestone Revo 3)
New (reman) transmission

This is a 2013 but working on it feels like working on an old 80’s car. Everything is logical and straight forward, unlike most of the Asian cars (and the godforsaken Mini Cooper) I’ve worked on. I removed the fan shroud and everything was very accessible. I really hope this is the last of it. The engine is strong, smooth, and quiet so I’m really hoping it doesn’t give me any trouble. Here’s some pics of my day:


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mountainmanjoe

Mini coopers are a travesty.

Thanks for all the great pics!

Where are you headed?

VanKo

100% correct. I had a 6 speed turbo Clubman and while it was one of the most fun cars I’ve ever driven, it was a mechanical nightmare. They really are engineering sh!tboxes. I really loved that car but it just let me down too many times so I got rid of it.

Moving to Ohio first, then Illinois in a few months.

VanKo

VanKo

Just looked at the old water pump and hydroboost.

The hydroboost has a reman sticker on it so it’s not the original.

The water pump was obviously cleaner and newer than the surrounding components so it can’t be that old. It has absolutely no markings or numbers on it at all. It also had paper gaskets. All of the pump bolts had wear on the heads and had clearly been removed/reinstalled. The thermostat neck was marked “GM” and was more worn and dirtier than the water pump.

I just got this van a few months ago and do not know the service history. But in 7years/170k miles, my replacements yesterday are at least the 3rd hydroboost and waterpump. This is why I buy genuine, quality parts and not junk.

DWB

I just did the water pump, belts, radiator & hoses, thermostat and belt tensioners on my '06 2500 with 125,000 miles on it.
How did you clean that water pump gasket area so well?

mountainmanjoe

DWB

VanKo

I used a razor blade to get most of the old paper gasket off, then used an air die grinder with a medium roloc scrubbing pad on it. I kept the surface wet to reduce the amount of dust from the gasket material.

VanKo

Just a quick update..

Drove all the way from Florida to Ohio last week with, stopping in GA for a bit to visit family. Had zero issues with the van. It rides comfortably even fully loaded in the back. After all the work I did, I'm glad I finally have a solid vehicle. It hasn't been super cold here yet (20's/30's) so time will tell how it does in the colder climate long-term.