change the plugs first. i know its a pain but 9 yr old plugs cant be to good. just the improvments they have make from then on plugs will make it worth it. if u do the opti do the water pump. if not u may have the pump go in a couple months and kill your new opti. check the plug wire before so if they are lookin sad change them while the water pump and stuff is outa the way. do like 69 said and have it scanned and see what comes up. might save a few hundred.

 

Well om I will do that. Thanks just saved me $150. Probably will get on that next week

 

everyone is always replacing the water pumps on our cars prematurely i think. It mechnically driven (has no choice but to spin) and has a steel impeller that spins on bearings. There is a rubber o ring that is thin but wide that is on the front cap when you take off the 6 or so screws in the front that leaks and needs replacing sometimes, but i just dont see where the things fail that often I have only seen one bad waterpump and it leaked around the bearing seals on a car with well over 200,000 miles. Have you guys taken one of those things apart and looked at them? They are so basic. I dont even think they have a weephole and with good reason with the opti underneath.

 

I just recently replaced my opti, and the water pump while I was at it. With 98k miles, I looked at it as cheap insurance, especially since the damn thing was already in my hand. I wasn't trying to pinch pennies, plus it'll never be any easier of a job than when it's already off. And I now have an emergency spare one too.

 

its on the upper range of were it should be. mine hangs at 180 but i have it tuned that way. if u have all water it will boil over ealier than if half and half and yes anifreeze inhibits rust. i dont think its the issue with the idle. i would look to the plugs first on that. check fuel pressure and have her scanned or do yourself. when i brought my current car home the first time it wouldnt run the morning after i got it home. changed the plugs and bingo. ran great.