I own a 1994 jeep Cherokee with a 4L engine. I've replaced the water pump once for a leek at the pully shaft. About 60,000 miles later it leaked from the shaft too. I had a mechanic replace the 2nd water pump and 86,000 miles later it's leaking again. Any suggestions? Like a good brand name, what to look for when inspecting the pump before I buy it, or what "Sweet nothings" to whisper in the pump's ear so it doesn't leak like a politician during a congressional investigation.

 

Who knows any more? Most all parts are from
ChiCom now anyways.

 

I'd recommend anything "NEW" as to "REMANUFACTURED." My last 2 waterpumps have been from HESCO. Also, when replacing the waterpump, make sure the impeller rotation is the same. There are some waterpumps out there for the 4.0 that have reverse rotation.

Edited:
- See video below.

 

Reverse rotation? That's a new one to me. Thanks for the tip. Now you have me thinking, could the blades on the impeller be angled in the opposite direction as an alternative to the pump rotating in the opposite direction?

 

Yes the ones for v-belts rotate in the opposite direction from the ones for serpentine belts. Unless you have them side-by-side, it's hard to tell from the impeller. Personally, I'd buy one with a metal impeller also because a plastic one can shatter too easily.

 

I went with this one brand new about 3 years ago and so far running like a champ standard Murray brand. And I think was only around 40-ish bucks at the time.
Don't forget to replace your t-stat and housing at the same time...very cheap insurance.

 

oh and as Dave mentioned... it does have a metal impeller...

 

Thanks for the video. When the host explained the difference between standard/grooved and smooth/reversed pump pully, that cleared my questions up. I appreciate your sharing, thanks again.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I have a serpentine belt.

 

Thanks for brand suggestion.

 

X2. It's crazy not to do this once you are in there that far.

 

I put an AC Delco water pump in mine, has a metal propeller and has been fine for a year so far.

 

Something to consider, I could be wrong on this.

When you Remove & Replace the waterpump, you need to pull the pulley off. So, you could accidentally be sold a reverse rotation waterpump, install your pully that you just pulled off your failed correct rotation waterpump and inadvertently install your pully onto a wrong rotation waterpump for your Jeep.

Moral of this story, is to check the old impeller waterpump to the new impeller waterpump before installation.

 

Bingo! Trust, but verify! Also. make sure it spins freely before you bolt it up. I got one that the impeller hit the cylinder barrel because it wasn't installed far enough on the shaft. Only a 1/16" difference.