Water Pump Replacement

[Series1 Stu]

Hi Guys

It appears my water pump has sprung a leak. Not a drip but what appears to be a complete failure of the main seal on the pump spindle. It dropped an awful lot of coolant on the garage floor.

I have scanned previous topics around this and was wondering whether things have moved on since then? Are there any differences between pumps from the various suppliers? Are the repair kits any good? Original part number is C15694.

Opinions and guidance appreciated, as always.

Regards

[abowie]

I most recently bought one for my 3.8 coupe from SNGB about 2 years ago.

It has not given any trouble.

I have rebuilt one in the past but the kits are relatively expensive and are not as easy to fit as you might expect. I did it more for the process than anything else.

I think I have the rebuilt one on one of my cars and it hasn't failed. From memory some have had trouble with early failure of the seal in repairs.

[johnetype]

My original (4.2) water pump started to drip so I rebuilt it with a repair kit. For my water pump there is a choice of repair kits, basically one with a ceramic washer which is a later upgrade or one as per the original. I chose the ceramic washer one, C30811K.

No problems rebuilding the pump, however very shortly into it's use it let go big time in a similar way to how you describe yours doing except I was out on the road; I couldn't pour water into the radiator quicker than it was rushing out of the pump so had to come home on a trailer.

I replaced the water pump with a complete new unit, and it's been fine.

I do think the ceramic washer version is a sensible improvement but it doesn't look as though it's an option for a 3.8 pump.

From my experience you might conclude that buying a complete new pump is the way to go, it's certainly quicker and easier than a rebuild but the dramatic failure of the water pump seal in my repair kit I believe was due to a fault in the seal rather than a problem with the repair kit per se, I just don't know. I've been meaning to take it apart just to investigate but haven't found the time so far.

I don't believe there's any difference between the pumps and repair kits offered by "the majors".

If it was me facing this again, I'd just buy a new pump.

[abowie]

I do think the ceramic washer version is a sensible improvement but it doesn't look as though it's an option for a 3.8 pump.

If it was me facing this again, I'd just buy a new pump.

I had a bit of a look today and I could only find rebuild kits for 4.2 water pumps.

[Allrand]

I got a rebuild kit for a 3.8 from Barratt's about 18 months ago.

[johnetype]

SBS7272 on the SNG site for the 3.8 repair kit.

[abowie]

SBS7272 on the SNG site for the 3.8 repair kit.

I'm usually pretty good at ferreting stuff out of their website... not this time.

[andrewh]

Bouncing this thread rather than starting a new one as my new 3.8 Water pump which has covered just 3500 miles since I restored the car, appears to be falling apart. Bizarrely it doesn't not appear to be leaking but the whole of the pulley and spindle is moving g around an alarming amount and making all mother of knocking noises. So much so I am wondering whether I had better not use the car until I get it sorted. This was supplied by SNGB several years ago, but as I stated its done no work. Can anyone recommend a high quality replacement product or are they all made to a price? Bizarrely I have just replaced my rebuild 4.2 projects with a new pump, as a matter of course, but looking at the one that came off I am tempted to fit it the 3.8 if its the same! Spindle is as tight as a crank shaft in a main bearing . It has a casting name on it, so probably British made and maybe original or quality replacement. Anyway, if anyone can recommend a product and supplier I would be grateful. Not best pleased at having to take this off and replace it after such little use!!!

[Series1 Stu]

Andrew,

The mistake you have made is to fit a pulley and drive belt to it. If you hadn't done that then it wouldn't have failed.

Regards

[andrewh]

Yes I see your point! A bit like a chocolate tea spoon !

[Gfhug]

I've heard good reports about Rob Beere's water pumps, no experience or affiliation:
http://www.rob-beere-racing.co.uk/cooling.html#wpump

Geoff

[swindler]

My water pump has started leaking so I'm about to pull the trigger on a new one. Attracted to the Rob Beere aluminium one - has anyone had any experience lately?