I need to replace the water pump on the crossfire. The local auto parts stores ( Advance, Autozone,Napa and O'Reily) do not carry the one I have installed. This water pump which I will assume is the original has two holes at the top left that are threaded to support another bracket, looks like some type of vacumm pump. the local auto parts stores water pumps have the two hole , but they are not threaded. Need help with finding the correct water pump.

 

I have one available. New in box, Cardone 70.00 shipped. Let me know if your interested. I accept PayPal thanks John

 

It's not the wrong pump, it's right. Those two holes aren't tapped because not every model that used that pump had a camshaft position sensor bracket mounted to it. Your options are to tap the holes yourself (cast parts aren't fun to tap!) or pay quite a bit more for an OEM pump with said holes tapped.

 

To put it simply did something come out of the threaded holes on your old part or not?

 

Changed my water pump in a hotel parking lot last week.
There are 3 holes not threaded, the 3rd is the tensioner, but the bolts are grade 8.8 and the water pump is aluminum, before the water pump is in take the bolt and rachet and slowly screw it in, the 8.8 hardened bolts will thread in the aluminuim, thread 3/4 in take the bolt out and you will see the threads on the bolt will be perfect and threads in the water pump housing, then put the rest of the bolts in and last 3 that are 3/4 threaded in will finish threading and help lock in the bolt.

 

Do not have to have a tap and tap the holes, the bolts will do it, but start threading with the bolts with the water pump out is alot easier to start them straight.
My alternator bolt hole in the water pump was to tight and had to do the same and thread it in there also.
So 4 holes to thread.
Have the new water pump sitting in front of you and as you take one out set it in the hole of the new water pump all the way around to make it easier to keep the bolts in order and also makes sure you have all the bolts out, then when old water pump is out set it beside new water pump and transfer bolts straight over, then when new water pump goes in your bolts are in order.

 

None of this is required if you get the correct water pump.
I will not bother to say what is wrong with your fix, only that the holes are sized for a specific method of thread formation and it is not by use of a tap. If a tap was meant to be used you would not be able to thread the bolt in. I would not be satisfied with the strength of the threads formed by your method.

Get the correct pump to start with.

 

Water pump can be expensive, depending on where you purchase it. Looking at OE Discount Parts shows the M-B pump at $345; the Chrysler water pump (exact same) for $663. But Needswings Performance (a preferred XFire vendor) shows the pump at $136.

A quick look at RockAuto.com shows the water pump available anywhere from $50 to $120, depending on which manufacturer you choose. Pictures don't show the holes clearly that are in question in this thread, but a phone call might clear that issue up before ordering. Not knowing for sure from RockAuto about the threaded holes, I'd probably order the pump from Needswings Performance.

Not sure how this compares to the local auto store pricings, but it has to be in the ball park.

Later,

 

If you are buying it sight unseen then I would agree with the above statement 100%. NeeedWings would not be stocking a part that needs to be modified by the buyer. If you can get it locally, look at it and get it quicker then that is another option.
Of interest to Canadian buyers from NW and other suppliers.
I have been tempted to buy more parts from NW, but shipping costs to Canada seem a bit pricey. Rob said that one shipping cost quoted was in error, so it might be worth investigating the quoted prices to Canada at times.
The best shipping costs to Canada are via USPS, as UPS and FedEx prices are made exorbitant by adding brokerage fees and taxes. Canada Post only charges GST on higher priced items seemingly arbitrarily.

 

It makes them locking done this way, if you tap the thread 1st then thread locker, lock washer or something will be needed, the holes are not small enough to make deep enough threads, they are just sized so threads are only cut half way and the bolt can be used, that is fornthe bolts that mount to the water pump not bolts going through the water pump.
Spend hundreds more and weeks waiting to get a the same water pump if you want, but me 3 hours from my shop and tools and going home the next day, I was not going to wait for a water pump that I could buy in town and have it the next day with a lifetime warranty, where there is nothing wrong with it and meant to be done this way.

 

I doubt it was meant to be done that way at all. Does it say that in any instructions? If not they must get plenty of complaints and returns. It just does not make sense.

 

As onehundred80 stated, if a bolt was intended to cut it's own threads, then you will normally see that it has a V shaped notch at the end and tapers up toward the bolt head.
( self tapping bolt )

( I know on my old Suburban, GM was in love with those bolts )

 

Yes, it had a bracket attached which supported some type a sensor.

 

Is this the one with the threaded holes for the cam sensor bracket ?

 

Yes, it has the threaded holes. New in box with both types of gaskets. I bought this for my Srt 6, when I went to install, I realized it was for an NA and it was past the 30 day return policy. It is exactly what you need and if I recall I paid over $100 for it. I can ship it as soon as tomorrow if you are interested. I can post a picture in my gallery if you like. Thanks

 

At least now we know the Cardone water pump listed by Rockauto has the threaded holes. I think this pump is listed for about $116. Not bad!

 

Ok, paypal info ?

 

I sent you an IM early this morning on this.
Please respond with payPal.

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

The parts lists for the Crossfire lists a service package to repair the water pump. I wonder if it is actually available, probably costs the same as a replacement.
Back in the day service packs were available for water pumps, they had carbon water seals as I recall, and new bearings in them. Look at the parts lists and look for them.