Water Pump Troubles

Once I got my FJ60 home, I wanted my trusted mechanics at Fred & Jim's Garage to go though the truck and look for any issues I needed to address. Overall, they were very positive about this FJ60. There were a couple of leaks, it needs shocks, has a bent rim, and the one surprise. The water pump that I had installed was no good.

Since the service station was over 100 miles away, I didn't want to try and get back there, leave the truck again, and then drive all the way back up. The replacement water pump was from NAPA, so it was warrantied and I was able to have the work done here.

My mechanics replaced the water pump  and I had then replace the thermostat at the same time. We started her up and within minutes the bearing in the new water pump went. Unbelievable! After a lot of discussion and a couple of arguments, NAPA agreed to refund my purchase price for the water pump. Additionally, I've requested they cover 2 of the 3 water pump labor charges of about $300. My thought is, if their parts are bad, I shouldn't have to keep paying the labor and my mechanics shouldn't do the work for free. We will see if I get any of it back.

I ordered an OEM water pump, pulley, and fan clutch. While the mechanics were in there, I had them replace all the belts and hoses. I've got Elsie back, and so far, she is running great!

I've included a photo of the NAPA and OEM water pumps below. We are all pretty sure the problem comes from the NAPA mount not being machined down on a slope. The OEM pump is on the left. When the pulley is placed on the NAPA pump it could wobble about 1/4" on the OEM, the pulley fits snug and doesn't wobble.

Taking Elsie Home...almost!

After an exciting Christmas day, we head home with my wife following in her car. Almost exactly half way home the water pump blew. We had Elsie towed to a service center, unloaded the luggage we had put in it, and continued home.

I wasn't upset, these things happen with older vehicles. This was my first introduction to  having a Land Cruiser. We had a 3-4 day wait for the parts, and then headed back up to pick her up and bring her home.