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1984 EA81 aftermarket water pump vs OEM


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Need a water pump on my 1984 1.8 GL

Subaru dealer can still get an OEM for $109.

Local parts store has them for under $30.

 

Had a bad experience with aftermarket water pump on a 93 Camry. Overheated, took aftermarket pump out (was only 3-4months old), and ordered an OEM. Compared the 2 side-by-side and wow what a difference.

 

The water vanes on aftermarket were 1/2 the size, and had less total vanes.

 

Put OEM back in and 100k miles later working great. (Over 300k and still running today)

 

Anyone have any input on this subject, on theEA81 engines?

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I wouldnt spend that money on an OEM

 

Just go with either a cardone select P/N 5573512 or an AISIN P/n WPF005  I have used both and the first lasted over five years, and then I replaced it with a cardone. 

 

EDIT: sorry the text is doing this wierd highlight thing, I copied the P/Ns from rockauto and cant firgure it out lol

Edited by Sapper 157
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OEM is cheap insurance. $109 is nothing compared to the frustration of doing it again. But we charge $99 an hour for labor so the math really easy if you consider the potential loss in doing it twice. If you time and labor is worth less than the difference in price.... $79.... then I guess go with the $30 junk.

 

GD

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not a performance application so I wouldn't bother with the OEM unit unless you're working the engine hard in situations such as offroading.

 

If it's a daily you wouldn't need the better flow/efficiency of the OEM unit as you wouldn't see the high revs regularly or for long enough for the cavitation that can occur to do any damage.  That said, if you want the most efficient cooling system the OEM unit would be best to use.

 

Your call.

 

Cheers

Bennie

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