billymade said:
Water pumps, have been a bit of a controversial issue; some prefer oem/vw plastic impeller types, claiming they last the longest and others, the metal versions. I have a 2002 New Beetle Turbo S with the 1.8T; it uses the same water pump, as the 2.0L. I have used various metal impeller water pumps; from the typical brands, Hepu (German), Graf (Italian), Geba (Germany), etc. They all seem to last around the same 5 to 7 years; before the bearing fails and the pumps, start leaking. Recently, Meyle, has come out with a "HD" or heavy duty pump, they claim will last 100k and has a 4 year warranty, most pumps, warranty is a year or less. I bought one of these and installed it; been about a week or so, no issues so far but I cannot say, that is a long enough time, as a true "review" of the pump.
So, that might be a pump to consider or a genuine vw pump. You can read more about my personal experiences with various brands water pumps; see, what you think.
MEYLE HD: New heavy duty water pump solutions: rated for...
NEW! MEYLE HD Water Pumps; rated, no leak, performance guaranteed for 100k! Many of us; have had their water pumps end up leaking prematurely and this caused us to replace them in the 5 to 7 year range. I myself, have installed Hepu and Graf water pumps with similar results. Because of this...
www.newbeetle.org
As to a vendor, for a timing belt kit; I would stick with a Continental or INA kit, all oem parts and these would be similar if not the exact same parts, that would come from your vw dealer at a much lower price. FCPEURO, is my latest vendor I am buying from; as they offer oem quality parts, free shipping over $50 purchase, lifetime warranty on all the parts they sell and they have amazing, customer service, if anything goes wrong. Nobody, is perfect but when issues, have come up, they have gone above and beyond, to make it right.
As to other parts, to replace, while "in there"; definitely, the thermostat, as you are already converting over to cast aluminum cooling system parts.... this could be a good time, to replace the plastic thermostat housing/cover with a aluminum version (many sell these; ecstuning, whanabe, etc.). The better timing belt/waterpump kits; from the likes of FCPEURO, have other parts, that typically need replacing, its always good to do it all at the same time (full cooling system flush, thermostat, serpentine belt, pulley/tensioner, etc.). FCPEURO, has kits or you can choose each part individually and make up your own kit, based upon what you need or say, brand of waterpump, you prefer, etc.
Volkswagen Beetle Engine Parts | FCP Euro
Volkswagen Beetle Engine parts online. Buy OEM & Genuine parts with a Lifetime Warranty, Free Shipping and Unlimited 365 Day Returns.
www.fcpeuro.com
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