It's been a while since mine was fitted, so whilst the engine is in bits, I am going to renew it. Is it still considered wise to go for the metal impellered pump that GSF used to sell? Not sure if they still do? Anyone bought and fitted one of these recently?

For all I know, perhaps now, the VAG parts manufacturer has started making them much stronger? Will need to get one this weekend, so any advice welcome. Thanks

Hi

I realise its a different engine, car and all.

My last ride was a 2.0 Bora SE on a 51 plate. My waterpump impeller ripped itself off the spline by means of plastic degrading I suppose... Unfortunately I had just exited the Dartford Tunnel Kent side when it chose to go pop. Not a great spot for a breakdown. To add to this I was going to my sisters wedding at the time. Feck!

Had replacement fitted of the all metal variety and having sold the car recently I can confirm that 15kon from having it done I had no probs and neither has new owner who is a pal of mine..

HTH

New plastic pumps are fine. They beefed them up and IIRC changed the material used to prevent plastic degradation..

Hope this isn't a hijack. My 04 reg 1.4 TDI is due for the 120K cambelt change soon. Should I ask for the water pump to be changed? I've no idea about its construction or state. Ideas welcome please.

The new type plastic impellers are made of different material and are much stronger.

Tbh I think fitting a VAG genuine water pump with plastic impeller will be fine. I fitted a plastic one when i did the cambelt and i've since done another 42,000 miles. Should be fine!

I agree. Use a genuine pump and change it everytime you do the belt

Hope this isn't a hijack. My 04 reg 1.4 TDI is due for the 120K cambelt change soon. Should I ask for the water pump to be changed? I've no idea about its construction or state. Ideas welcome please.

I'm with Tom_vRS, change the pump at the same time. It's only a £35.00 part and it requires the same amount of labour as the cambelt change, so if it fails (as happens with the older plastic impeller pumps) you will have to pay the labour all over again to get it changed.:eek:

i'm going to go against the grain here and say fit a metal one,vags last plastic impellored pump was pants so i bet the new is too

Ask Ross (if you can ever get hold of him these days! :P) how many TDIs he's come across with waterpump failure, and what mileage they were on when they went... Last time he gave his 2ps, ISTR it was just the one, and it had Moon-shot mileage.

I would personally fit a metal one, like I had done last time I needed a belt doing. Like Gary, I'm a bit hesitant to use the VAG one again, seeing as they couldn't design it properly the first time.

I also just wish the belt 'kit' would include the pump, or at least people were made aware of it! Far too many people in the dark for my liking; I'm pretty sure I've heard of more pump failures than belts going!

Steve

I'd still go for the genuine pump personally, especially if you intend to change it with the next cambelt. The metal impellored replacement I bought for my 6N Polo was poor quality and would expect the bearings to last nowhere near as long as the genuine jobby.