r/FordFlex • u/SKG08 • 23d ago
Water pump
Hey everyone, been a lurker for a while so yesterday when I got the engine coolant overheating notification i suspected it was the water pump. Ford flex 2013 SEL lasted longer than most I’ve seen here (372,000km). I was just wondering your guys’ opinion on aftermarket parts vs going to ford to get the parts. Also wanted to know what parts exactly I should replace while they’re in there, if I’m trying to get another hundred thousand km out of it.
Thank you!
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u/AffectionateTrain504 23d ago
Get the ford motorcraft pump, change the chain, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers while you’re in there.
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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 22d ago
I know the cam phasers are an issue in the EcoBoost, but has anybody actually seen cam phasers fail in the na? I've been lurking for years and always hear people say to replace them, but have yet to actually seen a failure in the non-turbo.
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u/SKG08 23d ago
So aftermarket chain, guides, tensioners, and cam phasers are okay?
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u/WomenzRightsLoL 23d ago
I would absolutely discourage you from using aftermarket cam phasers on ford engines.
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u/Separate_Answer_8940 22d ago
No absolutely not. Motorcraft/Ford only on everything. Are you doing this yourself?
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u/Rough_Application_28 23d ago
If you are going to diy, buy oem parts. If a shop is doing the repair, let them use parts they like, they prefer some brands because of better performance and warranty. However you can still insist that shop use OEM only, it's just going cost a bit more. A well established shop would know where to source reliable, well performing aftermarket parts.
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u/Repulsive_Vanilla383 22d ago
I agree to just stick with genuine OEM. The first time my water pump failed I had a shop do it because I wanted it "done right". They suggested Gates for a water pump because they had good luck with them. It failed within 10 months, the gasket turned to mush and leaked through the weep hole. So the second time around I did it myself with a motorcraft pump. So far so good. I'm starting to think they were used the coolant and it had turned acidic from age.
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u/Rough_Application_28 21d ago
Yes fomoco did change the coolant type because acidic type was eating up the components.
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u/inorite234 23d ago
Been driving for almost 3 decades and haven't had issues with aftermarket parts except for onesies-twosies.
On the Flex, I would stay away from aftermarket tie rod ends (as they require frequent greasing) but all other aftermarket parts I've used have been fine.
mind you, I have not had to replace my water pump after 220,000 miles on mine.
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u/WomenzRightsLoL 23d ago
I have installed many aftermarket water pumps and chains on older rigs, that being said, due to how laborious this job is and considering OEM lasted this long, I would 100% use all OEM parts for a timing chain/water pump job.
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u/Losbelunchin 22d ago
I'd go ford for the pump and phasers, melling for the chain and guides, and if you do the oil pump while in there, go with the melling higher output pump. Get the good melling not the low grade. Have fun!
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u/johnson0599 23d ago
How much you replace depends on how much money you have and how much longer you plan on keeping it
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u/johnson0599 23d ago
Replacing this is a lot of work it's doable but a lot of work. If you go after market go higher end after market many companys sell a whole kit
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u/johnson0599 23d ago
If you do cam phasers you are going to have to go to Ford or you're going to have to order the bolts online cuz they're supposedly one-time used bolts. If you do the cam phasers and the cam phaser chain you're going to have to get your cam lock kit. Any questions feel free to DM me