Water Pump Question

[Cruzen]

Hello everyone - I removed the radiator off my 85.5 and had it recored due to leakage. Before reinstalling, I was thinking of replacing the water pump and thermostat. There are no know issues with either components but the water pump is showing surface rust. Rock Auto has a Motorcraft part # PW224 http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=384993&cc=1133806 . Anyone know if this item is a direct replacement for our cars? If not, any recommendations? Thanks in advance. JC

[Meotchh]

Mine is 27 years old with surface rust & running just fine. We're you having any cooling problems before? If not I would not bother.

[Cruzen]

No cooling issues at all. Wow, 27 years! I like that. Less $$$ spent the better. Thanks

[Meotchh]

It also only has 37,xxx miles on it. I did replace the thermostat, but that was before I realized my problem was the radiator core that was infected with Chicago air.

[Cruzen]

Mine is at 106K. I don't drive it much mostly on weekends if I get a chance.

[brsvo]

160K here stock pump.

[Cruzen]

Definately will leave it alone. On a similar subject, I plan to change the upper and lower radiator hoses. I noticed the lower radiator hose has flex spring inside the hose. Is this a common in our cars?

[MikeFleming]

I noticed the lower radiator hose has flex spring inside the hose. Is this a common in our cars? Yes, it's a requirement.

Look here:
http://www.svocop.com/forum/showthread.php?1689-Turbo-Coolant-Hoses-Applied-Technologies-Header&p=14018&viewfull=1#post14018

[Cruzen]

Thanks Mike. Good information. It seems most lower radiator hoses are molded and do not come with the spring insert to prevent vacuum collapse. At least the ones local and online. Is it recommended to use the spring insert inside molded hose even though the hose is suppose to resist vacuum collapse?

[MikeFleming]

Is it recommended to use the spring insert inside molded hose even though the hose is suppose to resist vacuum collapse? I always do. They're easy to move between hoses (rinse it with fresh water first!).

[Cruzen]

Thanks Mike.