[Raul R. Botello]

Just bought a 1988 Lotus 40th Anniversary Model. Anyone out there know: if it needs a new water pump (I have the part) does it make more sense to change it with timing belt at same time, or is separately OK?

 

[108578]

I also have an '88. Definitely change the belt too. Very little money for the belt. Even if you get the better blue belt (about $150 from JAE if I recall) you will have to do all the same work and remove the belt anyway, and it's not a small job or a quick one. Might want to change the idler bearing too if it's been a while. I would change all the belts while you are in there. It's a tight job and you would regret doing one thing and then having to go back and do the same work for another relatively minor expense.

 

[carbuff]

If your water pump is leaking, for sure, change the new timing belt too. If it isn't, hold onto your new pump until the next C service.

Gotta watch out when buying a "new" water pump, however. Some model-year pumps had different mounting points for other engine accessories. It's a lot cheaper to rebuild your existing pump. JAE can rebuild yours and send it back to you. Or, you can buy the parts needed to refurbish your present pump.