DougK

Thanks Clive. Just the assurance I needed (seemed OK to me in theory). Fitted it the other day and all is good. Incidentally, TSSC are no longer stocking water pumps in their shop, because they can't get them in at a reasonable price (only cheap imports). Plenty of these on eBay, around £40, but appears you need to pay £80 upwards, possibly over £100 - unless anyone knows better. Certainly grab any quality 'bargains' that you come across. Nothing more annoying than an engine 'bolt on' that can let you down far away from home.

Being overjoyed at the prospect of a new original (Quinton Hazel) water pump at a bargain price, I bought it - when my current one packed up. Point is, the pump is for a Spitfire 1300, my engine is the 1500! Noticeable difference is that the 1300 has a bigger pulley, which will turn more slowly (per rpm). Apart from the fan belt, which will require changing, is there any real harm likely here in fitting this pump? The engine is housed in a 'special', so authenticity is not a problem. It could be an infamous 'false economy', of course, but surely keeping an eye on the temperature gauge is mainly what's required? Cheaper, generally imported, 'pattern' pumps (from well-known suppliers!) are indeed false economy as my last one packed up well within two years - luckily after retuning home from Classic Le Mans.