Running on water alone could be risky.

[Jack E/NJ]

Old Henry>>>Seal is not lubricated by anything other than whatever is in the water>>>

Hmmm. I'd be interested in what you find. When I rebuilt my pumps, I noticed that the new kit spring that holds the seal washer against the bearing was simply galvanized steel. I figured this spring definitely wasn't gonna hold up very long in hot coolant. So I re-used the original Ford spring as it looked as good as new, seeming to be made out of some sort of bronze wire. Perhaps the springs in your newer model pumps were galvanized steel that simply fell apart after they rusted out? Let us know what you find. Thanks.

Jack E/NJ