About 6-7K ago, I replaced my engine in my 86GXL. Like most people I put the stock water pump back on. When the engine died, the pump was fine, but from day 1 after the re-install, it has made a nasty rattling noise. There doesn't seem to be excessive play in the pully, and it makes no other screaming/screaching noises - just a rattle. Did sitting on the self for a year kill the bearings? Is there air trapped in the pump? Anyone have the same noise? The belt is properly tensioned, the temp never goes past half, and the coolant is fresh. I know I should replace it, but how soon? Is there any good (cheap) rebuilds out there?

Nick

 

if its not the belt making noise, its the bearing. They are cheap and really easy to change though. The only hard part is scraping the old gasket with a razor blade. =]