Hi, I smell a strong Anti-Freeze odor when i open the hood of my 2002 coupe. One day i could see spots in the garage from the leak. I got it checked by a dealer, they said the leak is in the water pump. According to the dealer the cost is $900. I checked the price of pump online, its around $160. The dealer sells it for around $300. To me, $900 seemed high to get the water pump changed. Anyone has any suggestions. ? If somebody from washington metro area (VA, MD, DC) can suggest a cheaper and reliable corvette mechanic, i would really appreciate. I live in Alexandria, Virginia.
thanks.
farhan.

 

Again, I never recommend the dealer for work unless it is warranty. Not all of them are bad/high but most of them are. That water pump is not a hard job and should not in anyway cost that much. Take it to another mechanic and let them do it is my suggestion. The water pump is a simple common item for mechanics so it is not like it is some delicate item that you have to fear them messing up your car doing.

 

Recommend you get another opinnion. It may or may not be the pump. Could be a loose hose clamp, split hose. I go with the Danase suggestion. Unless it is warrenty work, avoid the dealer. One suggestion about finding a mechanic. Check the National Corvette Owners Association web site. You may need to become a member, but they have a list of recommended Corvette shops.

 

Thanks guys... i will get it checked by an independent mechanic, over this weekend. I got a labor quote of $160 for water pump change from one shop i called yesterday.
Again thanks for your time.