To all TR3 water pumpologists,
I put a new, reproduction water pump (the one with the grease zerk)
in my 1960 TR3 last September. Today, after about 1500 miles since
installation, the center broke out of the pump pulley while driving.
A grinding noise from the engine and the rapidly increasing engine
temperature encouraged me to pull over and pop the bonnet. Five
hours and $95 later, the car was deposited in my driveway by a
flatbed tow truck.
I pulled the pump out (had tools with me so I did this while waiting
3.5 hours for the tow truck). In addition to the broken pulley, two
other things appear not quite right with the water pump. The
bearings feel awful--sorta catching and grinding--and both the pulley
key and the keyway in the impeller shaft are badly worn.
Can anyone out there in electronic Triumph land put these symptoms
together and explain why my water pump pulley broke? I would like to
know before I risk installing another reproduction pump.
Bob
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