Patton,
re:
"Does this mean I have to replace the pump with a new one or
can they be rebuilt? Is rebuilding worth the effort? If it is, is this a
DIY job or one to take to a shop?"
They can be rebuilt, if you can get the parts (bearing/shaft and seal).
You'll need a hydraulic press. The "trick," I expect, is to get the
proper depth on the shaft for the impeller and the pulley. I've seen the
parts available for older 6-cyl models, but have yet to see them for my BJ8.
A few years ago when I needed a pump, I found a shop in OH (I think)
that would rebuild mine but the cost--with shipping, etc.--was nearly
that of a new pump so I bought new. I just bought a new one on sale
from Victoria British (sorry, the sale is over) and was very happy with the
quality. They even included the pulley, a gasket, new studs--which
aren't available anywhere that I know of--and lockwashers! Frankly, for the
price I'd buy new ($80-100), because the impellors gradually rust away. But
check--sometimes they include the pulley--the new one from VB did--and
sometimes they don't. I think on older Healeys the pulley is bolted-on and
uses a Woodruff key, but on my BJ8 the pulley has to be pressed on.
Healey pumps seem to last about 70,000 miles--not unusual for any
make of car.
BTW, it's not unusual for the seal (it's ceramic) to leak a little until it
gets bedded in. I've heard some recommend to spin the pump dry--on
a lathe but suppose you could rig a drill somehow--for a few seconds to
bed the seal.
bs
********************************************
Bob Spidell San Jose, CA bspidell@pacbell.net
'67 Austin-Healey 3000 '56 Austin-Healey 100M
********************************************
Subject: Fan belt pulley wobble + Replacement Water Pump?
> I have gotten a couple of emails telling me if there is a wobble in the fan
> belt pulley, and I cannot get any front to back movement from the pulley
> with the belt off, something is wrong with the water pump shaft.
>
> Before I start pulling the radiator out, I want to find out what I am going
> to have to do. Does this mean I have to replace the pump with a new one or
> can they be rebuilt? Is rebuilding worth the effort? If it is, is this a
> DIY job or one to take to a shop?
>
> If the answer is buy a new water pump, are the new water pumps as good as
> the originals? I see that Moss lists the BN4 pump (580-009) as unavailable,
> but the later pump (835-020) is interchangeable. What is the difference
> between them?
>
> Thanks as always.
> Patton
>
> Patton Dickson - Richmond, TX - '57 A-H 100-Six - http://Austin-Healeys.com
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