About to change my alternator, should I do water pump while I'm at it?
 

Body has about 140k, reman has about 70k. I've been having some electrical issues I'm sorting my way though and alternator is up next.

Is it worth it to do the water pump at this point? I'd guess it was replaced with the reman so it's got a good 70k on it. Coolant probably has about 15k on it.
Also would you do the thermostat at the same time? I've heard mixed opinions on thermostats, some people say they are more likely to be DOA than wear out, so leave it be until there's an issue. Other people say to always change the thermostat if you're doing the water pump. What's the verdict with the RX-8?

Anything else other than the belt? Thanks in advance.

If it's not weeping I'd leave it alone. The only thing that can realistically "break" there is the seal. There isn't really a recommended change interval for the water pump.

Thermostat is probably original and cheap enough to replace so why not. I don't know that there's high likelihood of itbeing DOA

I vote yes on the thermostat.
Idk about 8s, but my Nissan pickup is on it's 3rd water pump at 200k miles.
Once it locked up as I got to work and I had to get it towed home.
My first 8 died and when I start taking the engine out I plan on changing it and the thermostat.
But, if you don't mind wrenching on it if it does fail down the road, then it's probably not critical at this point.

I do know how sensitive the rotor housings are on these and if they overheat that's basically a total loss. A piston motor might blow a head gasket but it's far less likely to need a whole new engine. There was one day where it was a good 97 or so and the temperature gauge was definitely moving a bit and I had to back off the throttle and let it roll to cool down. Not eager to repeat that.

How often do the water pumps fail on 8's? Doesn't seem common now that I look at it. If I'm not doing a water pump I'll wait on the thermostat until I'm at the coolant service interval.

I've never heard of a water pump failing on an 8. Maybe the engines don't live long enough:) Also it's really not that hard to replace, really accessible, right in front there. Having the alt out isn't a big reason to do it preventatively.

If you're having heat issues it's probably not the pump. Radiator, undertray, coolant overflow bottle, etc.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...c591d165e.jpeg

+1^
You could say replacing the engine before the water pump is a preventative measure.
:)

Thanks guys. This is the only car I’ve ever owned where that’s the case. Every other car it’s usually a 90k service item either as scheduled or preventative maintenance. But I’m glad to have one less expense on my plate at the moment.