The Land Rover mentor of mine aided me to fix a water pump fail on my first disco I had only weeks into driving it (great story as I think back of it) - this immediately followed a radiator issue which had me tearing down the cooling system replacing the radiator on account of the plastic shroud screw on top the day I took on the truck in a parking lot.. so I too was a bit disheartened within weeks of D2 ownership.

This rover guru told me in his experience you don’t want to use the gasket seal to the water pump - rather use some gasket maker because the gaskets are a little too thick - In turn pushing the pulley just past sweet spot in rotation of belt orientation, generating excessive wear to the water pump bearing. (Pre mature failure) he spoke about the fan even being pushed out too far for his liking as a result of this Too.

I’ve replaced a water pump in two following discos that way since - defiantly not purchasing LR water pumps either
Some food for thought in your application here perhaps.

 

@SundayFunday I think the mechanic is wrong that gasket is literally paper thin there is no way it will effect water flow significantly or at all. And gasket maker is brutal to get off once it is on there.

 

I am right there with you on the downhill quality of parts. Just completed a minor refresh of a few things. Axle seals, a hub, and power steering pump, recent alternator purchase also.

Hub showed up with cut ABS sensor wire. Not smashed, or squashed —cut. Not sure how they missed that. Power steering pump was supposed to be a new Cardone unit, but it looked remanufactured. A little noisy, but least it is not leaking and working. Remanufactured 150A alternator from RockAuto for a different Disco has been great though, and cheap.

It is a frustrating situation. I think at least some of it is attributable to sloppy packaging and parts getting thrown around in shipping, but hopefully the delays will subside and quality will improve as Covid-related production/shipping issues move into the past. I have had to reach out beyond the typical go-to suppliers I used to use. Can also recommend RockAuto - good prices and fast.

 

Richard, not saying this is gospel. Nor am I saying the gasket impedes water flow.
Just sharing experience. Naturally there is a smart way to use gasket maker -
what I will say is the mechanic is by far the best mechanic I’ve come into contact with.. some folks are born inside an engine.

 

@SundayFunday no problem I have unfortunately mostly seen the bad use of gasket maker, and literally never heard of a water pump being impacted by a gasket. But then I have pretty much always driven "sloppy v8"s

 

Now its another manic monday

 

I’m gonna lose my mind. This is how the new Airtex was arrived today. Just loose in the box.

 

@Brandon318 man that sucks

 

wow. Where did you order from

 

Atlantic British