A Suitable Water Pump?

[DougK]

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.

[Clive]

Yep, fit it and all will be fine, done it before. You may even be able to use the same fan belt with improved access to no1 spark plug.....

[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.

[Clive]

Which is why I have 2 brand new unipart waterpumps in a cupboard. People do not realise the benefits of buying quality parts when they find them, even if it means storing them until required. 

At the moment I think buy proper Borg and beck clutch kits (not the recent ones that are made by firstline but branded B+B, not a patch on the proper ones). They do turn up regularly, buy now while they are available. And if you can find them, asbestos brake pads and shoes.....

[AidanT]

Hi  - sorry for the maybe dumb question but can you tell me what a water pump that's on its way out sounds like?  I have a sound from the front of my GT6 that sounds extremely like poorly set tappets  Just wondered if my pump was on its way out?

 

Thanks

[dougbgt6]

"And if you can find them, asbestos brake pads and shoes....."

 

And an iron lung, you'll be needing it, if you start messing with asbestos.

[Pete Lewis]

Aiden

a large screwdriver and place it on the pump  stick  your ear on the handle and it will make a stethoscope

 

move around the engine till you locate the area the most sound is emmitting

 DO NOT  get it in the FAN or it takes A & E about 4 hours to remove it .

 

one easy test is put some talc powder or a lightly run the dip stick on the belt sides .  some make a lot of clatter due to the belt kevlar and the Vee contact

 

have a listen to the alternator , pullies can split and make a clatter

 

Pete

[Colin Lindsay]

Find one of the early pumps with the nut on the front pulley and rebuild it. Bearings and seals are all readily available. 

[Clive]

"And if you can find them, asbestos brake pads and shoes....."

 

And an iron lung, you'll be needing it, if you start messing with asbestos.

No implication of messing about with asbestos, but is you drive a car hard, asbestos pads/shoes are very hard to beat. And yes, I did work in the asbestos testing industry at one point, so I know and fully understand the dangers and precautions needed. In fact, nothing difficult. Mainly wash the brake dust off, and rinse away. Just don't use an airline..... Too many people are terrified, mainly because of lack of knowledge. (that may be good, it stops others buying the pads/shoes etc!!)  Remember, the clutch in your Triumph is likely to be asbestos, and with the mileage covered by many drivers, the shoes too. How about houses with artex ceilings??