Does it warrant changing the distributor when the water pump goes out

Tiny
DMATTKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 CHEVROLET CORVETTE
  • 38,000 MILES
I just completed a long road trip. During the trip the "Low coolant" info warning came on intermittently. I checked the coolant level in the reservior and everything loked okay. Upon reaching my detination I took the car to an auto repair shop.

The auto shop showed me that the water pump has started leaking and needs to be replaced. But, they also tell me that they recommend that I also change the distributor, since the leakage may have gotten into the distributor due to its location to the water pump. So my options are:
1. Replace distributor
2. Replace only cap & rotor on distributor
3. Do nothing to distributor, until there is a further problem
Obviously the water pump has to be replaced.

Are they being straight with me and should I approve replacing the entire distributor along with the water pump?

They gave me the following estimate of costs:
1. Water pump & Installation $700
2. Cap & rotor (parts only) 350
3. Balance of Distributor (parts only) 300
4. Installation of #2 or #3 parts 170

Are these reasonable or should I do some shopping?
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 9:58 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
I would go with option 3. What motor is in it also.
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
DMATTKE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
It is an LT1 350 motor. From your response I understand you recommend replacing both the water pump and COMPLETE distributor. Please advise if I have misunderstood.

Thank you
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 4:39 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
It's a common practice to replace the distributor with the water pump for a couple reasons. The coolant usually gets into the distributor and causes problems. The cap and rotor is so expensive and the design of the distributor is prone to problems and the fact that the water pump has to be removed to access it makes it a logical response to replace the distributor.
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Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
FIXITMR
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,990 POSTS
Your third choice was just do waterpump since car ran before/during leak. I agreed.
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Thursday, November 24th, 2011 AT 4:10 AM

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