Water pump grenaded today--
 

I never realized that the front portion of the water pump where the fan/pulley bolts run through is just a press on piece---mine decided today it didn't want to be pressed on any longer---can't figure out how that could happen----is it possible to have to much weight over the front of the water pump (I.e. fan spacer, fan clutch, etc?). This pump appears to be stock, has GM stamped on it--is the one that came on the car when I purchased. Luckily I was close to home on a test drive---it took out the shroud, but it appears the radiator is still ok.

So, recommendations on water pumps would be appreciated--This car will see track days, auto X and lots of driving.

Doug

I have a Stewart, they are good pumps.
I've also head good things about Edelbrock.

X2 on the Stewart. Top notch stuff! They lived on my circle track cars forever. Never had a failure.

Already puked a victor jr. water pump on my ride. They didn't stand behind it due to time. Second seems fine.

I have used the Stewarts on several small blocks in 4X4 trucks. I beat them on a regular basis for a very long time and never had any troubles. One engine (383) was in three different trucks over 5 years. The pump never gave up. Wish I could say the same about the rest of the drivetrains:rofl:

Doug -- can't remember... you a bb or sbc?

If SBC - go to the CORVETTE pump it's a larger shaft diameter... more surface area to hold that fan...

I've had Stewart and Edelbrock pumps... had to return the last Edelbrock pump that came from Billet Specialties with my TruTrac... the core shift was so bad the O ring wouldn't seal...

The stage 3 Stewart has a larger shaft and bearing. BBC and SBC. Go here:

http://www.stewartcomponents.net/Mer...y_Code=ChevyS3

That car deserves the best!

When you say test drive is it safe to say that the car has not been driven very far? If that is the case, I would check pulley alignment. If the belt is off center a little bit, it will but an amazing amount of stress on that bearing. It won't make a difference whose pump you use.

Darren

Greg, sbc gen 1 406. Shocking how bad production tollerances can be, especially on an Edelbrock product----it's got Vic's name on it.

Darren, that makes sense---if my belt alignment is off, it is putting forward stress on the water pump pulley---is this a common thing if belts are out of alignment? I've heard of shafts breaking, i've just never seen the actual pulley mount come un-pressed from the pump itself. I've had the car close to two years---thanks for the tip.

Doug