I have an original low-mileage dealer-maintained since new, 1990 Accord LX. 6 1/2 years ago, at 68K miles, the entire cooling system, including radiator, thermostat, cap, all hoses, switches, sensors, all drive belts, water pump, timing and balance belts, etc., were all professionally changed, as well as a new alternator. Now, 18K miles later, I found that the connecting pipe had two holes in it, so I replaced it along with new o-rings. After installation I noticed a steady drip from the hole in the water pump housing, indicating a failed or failing bearing. Is less than 20K miles of life normal for a Honda water pump? In the interim, another new radiator, cap, thermostat, fan, and the temp/thermo sensors have also been replaced. I am used to German cars and failure at this mileage is considered a defect. Not sure about Hondas.

 

I'd call that "defective". Most of the time the water pump is replaced when doing a timing belt job ~100K miles. So if leaking after ~18K, something isn't right.

 

Then again, how many years did it take you to drive those 18,000 miles?

 

6.5 years. I found out that the water pump seals fail from age as well as mileage, same with timing and balance belts. Job has to be done all over again, despite the ridiculous low mileage between jobs. With several different vehicles, it's hard to put more than 1,500 miles a year on each one.

 

Then you're definitely due for a new timing belt.

Geez, less than 3,000 miles per year. There are some months where I put over 3,000 miles on my cars; even though I drive two, they both still rack up quite a bit of mileage every year.