Water pump

[Joe K]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

Ditto what Purdy said. About 6 years ago I was using my 20 ton press to push the impeller onto the shaft, when all of a sudden it exploded and pieces flew in all directions. I was luck that none hit me in the face. Well worth it to by the shaft and impeller installed and pinned.

I usually buy the parts separate and pin them after.

I also use the 1/4" "long" shaft and trim it back to get the proper free play. Saves having the donut at the front of the pump - which works - but not my personal fave for solving this issue.

I also check the impeller bore and pump shaft to see the less than 0.001 interference that a press fit here requires. Shafts vary considerably. (See Vince Falter's Fordgarage entry on quality issues with water pump shafts. http://www.fordgarage.com/pages/originalwpshaft.htm)

Joe K