[Healeys] Water pump recommendations

[Bob Spidell]

I bought the 'uprated' pump by Bastuck from BPNW (the AHSpares offering 
appears to be an unbranded version, or maybe a copy). The impeller 
appears to be somewhat more effective design, and the gap between the 
impeller and the pump body is, I think, smaller than OEM so would likely 
flow better. The threads on it won't fit the OEM valve--I think 
everything's metric on it--and it comes with a barbed nipple. As 
previously reported, the hole on the top of the pump--anyone know what 
that's for?--comes with a plug that doesn't plug; I tried everything to 
get it to seal, and ruined a pump in my attempts. I finally found a way, 
and may use it to seal an O/D drain plug if it continues to leak. It 
works fine, but I haven't had the car out on a hot day. I don't think 
coolant flow is the cause of overheating, esp. at idle; it's mainly due 
to lack of airflow through the engine bay, lack of a shroud, etc.

I was so desperate I even tried a County pump, bought from Tom Monaco 
but sourced by Moss. The bearing felt rough and and I didn't install it; 
I returned it, and Tom had to jump through hoops to get a refund but he 
came through. Tom knows a rebuilder in Oregon who rebuilt an OEM pump 
for me, but it's currently riding in the boot. I don't have the invoice, 
but Tom would tell you if you gave him a call.

Bob

On 12/20/2023 10:40 PM, Hank Leach via Healeys wrote:
> When I did my 100, in 2015, I took the original pump to a very good 
> machinist who fashioned a seal out of delrin and he figured out the 
> correct spring pressure using an original NOS part and the pump works 
> perfect to date.
> AH Spares professes that they have the best pump. Many other 
> aftermarket makers, including County, make junk. Using the original 
> parts can work if you have someone who understands pumps.The proper 
> spring pressure is critical to prevent leaks and the seal being made 
> out of delrin resists wear from vibration. This machinist worked for 
> an agricultural supply company. Hank
> --------------------
>
> From: "Michael Oritt" <michael.oritt at gmail.com>
> To: "Austin Healey" <healeys at autox.team.net>
> Sent: Wed, Dec 20 2023 06:35 PM
> Subject: [Healeys] Water pump recommendations
> The engine in my 100 will be out soon and I'd like to replace the 
> present water pump PROVIDED there has been a scientific breakthrough 
> in the manufacturing of this often problematic piece of equipment.
> Is anyone making or reconditioning pumps that offer a real improvement 
> of what is generally offered to us?
> Best--Michael Oritt
>
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://autox.team.net/pipermail/healeys/attachments/20231221/29bcd90b/attachment.htm>