Hi guys, I'm going to be replacing the antifreeze on my 02 4.6 supercrew. It just turned 221K and I have changed the antifreeze every 40K except the first time I changed it at 60K. Do I need to be proactive and replace the waterpump? I'm having no issues related to cooling at all. Miles are mostly highway commute miles. Very little towing. I read some previous post and it looks like a mixed bag of y/n. Thanks

 

Drive it til it fails! Not a high failure rate item on these motors. Also, just my opinion of course, but every 40K on the antifreeze is a bit excessive. Doesn't do any harm, but wastes money and isn't needed. Again, my opinion.

 

you dont need to change it, but its only $40 to do it if you decide.

also, why did you change the antifreeze every 40K? seems overly excessive unless it was dirty for some reason, but then you would have other problems to deal with

 

Though I agree that 40K mi. on the coolant is excessive, better sooner than later. I believe in changing the coolant when it still looks like new. if you've ever looked inside the water chambers of an engine that's had the coolant changed like that, it will ALWAYS look brand new, guaranteed! Not only that, for the LOW price of coolant, your W/P, head gaskets, heater core, radiator, block, heads, all metal fittings, etc., etc. will thank you. I believe coolant and oil are the cheapest insurance you'll EVER buy.

 

Yea code, I agree, but there's also a line (and it's not a thin line, it's a pretty thick one) between insurance/preventative and down right wasteful $$$. 40K coolant changes and 3K oil changes are closer to the wasteful side that doesn't really offset the preventative side. But hey, your world; if you've got the $$$, then rock on.

 

Same here, -cheap insurance. Always have changed coolant every other year. Never went by mileage, -guess I was either taught different or I invented something, iduno... Rust and corrosion pays no mind to mileage, but age seems to be a factor, -here anyway.. It's hard on engine and components. That's what I focused on anyway. From a breakdown standpoint, -I'm not sure. Never questioned or thought enough about that I guess. Figured a good flush and change every other was enough. Haven't had a related problem to system..Yet! Everything is still factory original with over 300k miles. Well, except for the heater core hoses. Changed those only because Ford chose to use crappy clamps on the feed and return lines. Eventually they cut into the hose. Sh.....! Forgot,-I did have O-ring problems at the heater core hardline/water pump connection. I got rid of the O-rings all together and haven't had a problem since.

Tschro, -as long as the weep hole is dry and there isn't any slop or wobble at the pump, -it's fine. Check for wobble w/serp belt removed.

 

Unless your having cooling issues and your pump looked like mine did, then you're probably fine not replacing it. I replaced the pump before the block cracked and was missing a fin. The pump was fine, but one fin was missing. Had the engine replaced and was having cooling issues. The mechanic didn't swap the new water pump from the old engine into the replacement. Took it off to find that ALL of the fins had rusted completely away. Look through my posts to find a picture of it. It was ridiculous. Also, both pumps seemed OK from the outside, no wobble and no weep hole leakage, so be aware of that. Only change it if there's a problem would be my suggestion.

 

Thanks for the response guys. In my case 40K equates to 2yrs. When I waited to change it until 3yrs/60K it looked pretty bad. I look at it as cheap insurance. Yes all the water passages still look new on the engine so it must be helping. I'll take your advice JBrew and check for wobble with the belt off. How many miles on your 98?

 

Might want to check out the Sauce thread lol, - https://www.f150online.com/forums/v8...nning-hot.html

Have to say, I've never seen a pump that bad. Could call it a pump by-pass.

 

Yeah, it was awful. My question now is, how did the thing not overheat? It acted more like a bad thermostat than a bad pump... Oh well. She's running good now and I'm happy.

 

A little over 300,000 miles. Best part about that truck has been the engine. The body on the other hand has seen to many Michigan winters.

 

Well, It wasn't low on coolant lol. But yea, it could still overheat. I'd be worried about something else. If you were to answer the question I had asked in your thread, - I or perhaps someone else who knows why I asked it, could explain.