Water pump qustions
My next issue to tackle on Clarkson 04 is going to be the water pump and front cover. What’s the preference on a New after pump. I’m not concerned about the price as even the pricey ones are not that bad. AB recommends the OE Airtex but there’s quite a list of choices that come up on Rock Auto.....I know I want to mak sure its got a metal impeller instead of brass but is there one “better” than another or am I overthinking it? 
Thanks!

Thanks!
Last edited by Daytoman; Mar 12, 2019 at 11:14 AM.
I personally could care less on the material of the impellar. As long as the cooling system is in good shape with the proper coolant mixture the steel impellar will last you a very long time. Brass is preferred, but I’ve had some 35.00 WP’s out last a 135.00 WP, it just depends.
Good Lord, I swear I read that on here somewhere and in a few reviews. Confirmed with AB and the impellers on their Airtex OE replacement is steel. So is brass the way to go or steel?
Just replaced mine with one from AB less than two months ago. It was the Airtex. I could have sworn that AB told me Airtex no longer makes the one with the brass impeller.
https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC4378OE
Great AB video available if this is your first rodeo with a water pump.
https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC4378OE
Great AB video available if this is your first rodeo with a water pump.
Brass = more weight. More weight can equal more or faster wear. There is no benefit to the brass impellar unless it is technologically designed differently or has a different set of fins, size etc. Except it may last much longer from not rusting.
there is only 1 water pump I have ever seen with deteriorated fins...that was from someone using bars leak in their motor for a long period of time.
there is only 1 water pump I have ever seen with deteriorated fins...that was from someone using bars leak in their motor for a long period of time.
My next issue to tackle on Clarkson 04 is going to be the water pump and front cover. What’s the preference on a New after pump. I’m not concerned about the price as even the pricey ones are not that bad. AB recommends the OE Airtex but there’s quite a list of choices that come up on Rock Auto.....I know I want to mak sure its got a metal impeller instead of brass but is there one “better” than another or am I overthinking it? 
Thanks!

Thanks!
and this one,
both with good results. both my '04's water pumps went out within a month or two of each other. so, decided to try both listed above. don't know if it's related or not but my '04 with the cheaper water pump runs a few degrees cooler than the other truck.
YMMV,
It's sad but true Airtex/ASC stopped making the bronze impeller water pump over a year ago.
I contacted them and was told the decision was due to the cost savings for the company.
Airtex > Home
At the time I remember posting this info and recommended to everyone if you want the bronze impeller to stock up if you can find them.
Still today you will see vendors use the old pic, but get eyes on before you place an order. There are still some NOS, but that's it.
ONE Water Pump I will WARN people about is a GMB. This thing looks great, but is a complete TURD!!!
I contacted them and was told the decision was due to the cost savings for the company.
Airtex > Home
At the time I remember posting this info and recommended to everyone if you want the bronze impeller to stock up if you can find them.
Still today you will see vendors use the old pic, but get eyes on before you place an order. There are still some NOS, but that's it.
ONE Water Pump I will WARN people about is a GMB. This thing looks great, but is a complete TURD!!!


