Big block water pumps

[Mathew S.]

I never figured getting a water pump would be such a pain. O'Rielly had a pump that was lifetime warranty (more of a driver car) so I took a shot. I get it home and the back cover bolts are two thick, and hit the timing cover. I take it back and get the refurbished one, and the back cover is better. I find that the flange around the timing cover is to wide. I grind it down and it fits. For future reference has anyone found a vendor that has direct fit water pumps? These all apperar to be new castings and not GM ones.

The only remains thing to do is get the stud for the alternator bracket and figure out how much to grind down the acting for the strap to fit.

[Mark E.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Over the years, I've encountered a couple of aftermarket water pump castings that didn't fit properly. Now, I look for rebuilt pumps that use an OEM casting. This avoids fitment problems, as well as possible issues with porosity, thin spots, and poorly machined surfaces.

This also applies to starters, alternators, AC compressors.

[Leif A.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Here are two sources in the current edition of the Driveline:

http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=317731&p=&l=&m=&ver=&view=&pp=#{"issue_id":3177 31,"page":22}

http://www.mydigitalpublication.com/publication/?i=317731&p=&l=&m=&ver=&view=&pp=#{"issue_id":3177 31,"page":30}

[Joe R.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Bill Mock advertises in the Driveline and has been selling reconditioned original water pumps for the last 20-30 years. You want the correct stuff then call Bill.

JR

[Mark E.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Bill Mock advertises in the Driveline and has been selling reconditioned original water pumps for the last 20-30 years. You want the correct stuff then call Bill. JR

Restoration services that offer castings with correct PN and date are an option, albeit for a price. And they typically offer a limited warranty.

Adding to my original post, if you're looking for a cost effective water pump that fits and works well (but not "numbers matching"), shop the major parts houses (NAPA, AutoZone, Rock Auto, et al.) and look for a rebuilt item that uses an OEM casting. This means avoiding "new" replacement parts, in favor of rebuilt. Be sure to check the warranty. It's often "lifetime" (a fun question to ask about the warranty: Whose lifetime are we talking about- yours, theirs, the car's? You'll typically get a blank stare :-) ).

With this approach, you'll get a quality part that fits at an affordable price, and a "lifetime" warranty- albeit not with the "correct' casting numbers.

My personal experience with "reproduction" services like the one listed in a previous post: You get "correct" numbers on the casting, but with a limited warranty and a premium price. Plus, the quality isn't necessarily any better, and maybe inferior, to the major parts houses.

[Mathew S.]

Re: Big block water pumps

That is what I'm wrestling with. I don't need the correct dated one, since I'm going more for driver than judging. However, I want it to look right since the rest of the car is correct. I know O'Reilly auto parts doesn't have anything other than new castings, even for reman ones. It looks like most are using Cardone parts and labeling the box for themselves.

Thevreman an one I picked up (new casting) is to thick on the the inside flange, and appearing to be too need some grinding near where the alternator brace attaches to the top bolt. I could possibly rebuild the pump that has been sitting for close to 20 years or so, last time the engine was in the car (dated either 68 or 78) but didn't pay close attention to part number on it. I think it ended in 077, but could be wrong.

Not sure what all is needed to rebuild one myself, or if cost is prohibitive.

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Ive had the best luck buying a core with the correct #s then buying the rebuild kit and rebuilding pump myself. I've done 2 so far, really easy and only special tool needed is a press.

Good luck, Doug

[Mark E.]

Re: Big block water pumps

Ive had the best luck buying a core with the correct #s then buying the rebuild kit and rebuilding pump myself. I've done 2 so far, really easy and only special tool needed is a press.

Good luck, Doug

If not already done, this would be a great Restorer article.

[Mike R.]

Re: Big block water pumps

I had a water pump rebuilt for my 82 at Chevy Cool in Scottsdale. They did a good job, the price was fair. I did have to repaint it - they used Pontiac blue but that was an easy fix

[Joe L.]

Re: Big block water pumps

I had a water pump rebuilt for my 82 at Chevy Cool in Scottsdale. They did a good job, the price was fair. I did have to repaint it - they used Pontiac blue but that was an easy fix

Mike-----

That was probably Chevrolet Blue which was used for L1977-81. Chevrolet Blue was very similar to Pontiac Blue. Your pump rebuilder probably did not know that the blue ended for 1981 and that 1982 engines were painted black.