Any Difference in Quality on Water Pump Brands?
#1
Any Difference in Quality on Water Pump Brands?
Fusick sells one for $100 that is made by Gates Rubber
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....p?number=W231A
YearOne sells one for $50 that is GM
https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964...-442/305N/view
Any really difference in quality?
http://www.fusickautomotiveproducts....p?number=W231A
YearOne sells one for $50 that is GM
https://www.yearone.com/Product/1964...-442/305N/view
Any really difference in quality?
#2
And to make me even more confused, I see these folks are selling 2 different kinds for the same car ('72 355 with A/C)
http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/C220469.html
http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/CT20253.html
http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/C220469.html
http://www.opgi.com/p/cooling/2179/181/CT20253.html
#3
Looking at the info from both sites, the pumps on each appear to be AC Delco parts. That being so, I do not see how there could be a "difference in quality," let alone a $50 difference!
Having said that, I have seen complaints online re: the quality of anything AC Delco, as it appears the company has gone offshore (China) for production?
Having said that, I have seen complaints online re: the quality of anything AC Delco, as it appears the company has gone offshore (China) for production?
#4
My recollection from earlier discussions is that the key difference in function is between closed and open impellers, with the closed impellers pumping more water.
Coincidentally, none of these sellers shows the back of the pump so you can see the impeller, and there is no way to know whether these are any better than what you get at your local auto parts store.
- Eric
Coincidentally, none of these sellers shows the back of the pump so you can see the impeller, and there is no way to know whether these are any better than what you get at your local auto parts store.
- Eric
#5
There is a difference. Those newer pumps like the opgi ones posted are the same ones you can get from your local auto parts store. The impeller is a stamped piece of steel that looks like a fan, instead of the factory cast iron turbine.
I recommend the Milodon pumps. They aren't cast iron impellers, but they are a welded together paddle wheel at least. Instead of just the splined piece of sheetmetal.
I recommend the Milodon pumps. They aren't cast iron impellers, but they are a welded together paddle wheel at least. Instead of just the splined piece of sheetmetal.
#6
most aftermarket/stamped: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...1391286976___#
factory cast impeller style:http://img.alibaba.com/photo/5228544...p_Impeller.jpg
factory cast impeller style:http://img.alibaba.com/photo/5228544...p_Impeller.jpg
#7
#9
Oh. Right. I know what you mean.
The "closed" type I was talking about has both a front and a back "disc" (I know I've seen them as a multi-piece stamped assembly, and I think I've seen some cast as well), and not just the "front" disc portion, with the "back" portion open, against the front surface of the pump, like the ones above.
- Eric
edit:
Here are a couple of pictures of the type of impeller I was talking about, for clarity's sake:
The "closed" type I was talking about has both a front and a back "disc" (I know I've seen them as a multi-piece stamped assembly, and I think I've seen some cast as well), and not just the "front" disc portion, with the "back" portion open, against the front surface of the pump, like the ones above.
- Eric
edit:
Here are a couple of pictures of the type of impeller I was talking about, for clarity's sake:
Last edited by MDchanic; March 25th, 2013 at 05:47 AM.
#11
#13
If you have an original that needs a rebuilding I can recommend these folks:
Automotive Friction in Portland, OR. I have used them & was happy. They were helpful & service was quick.
http://portland.citysearch.com/profi...ction_co_.html
Website isn't much:
http://autofriction.com/home.html
They are old school, give them a phone call!
Automotive Friction in Portland, OR. I have used them & was happy. They were helpful & service was quick.
http://portland.citysearch.com/profi...ction_co_.html
Website isn't much:
http://autofriction.com/home.html
They are old school, give them a phone call!
#16
ive been running a flowcooler aluminum pump for 11+ years no problems. its aluminum with a closed impeller design for high flow
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
#18
ive been running a flowcooler aluminum pump for 11+ years no problems. its aluminum with a closed impeller design for high flow
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
I use this one on 57 Olds and will have installed the same one on my 455 going into my 48 Olds. Great product
#19
ive been running a flowcooler aluminum pump for 11+ years no problems. its aluminum with a closed impeller design for high flow
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
Did you need to match it with the Robertshaw thermostat that they recommend?
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...ermostats/c22/
How do you decide between a 180 and 195 degree thermostat?
Assume the aluminum will take engine spray paint OK....
#20
ive been running a flowcooler aluminum pump for 11+ years no problems. its aluminum with a closed impeller design for high flow
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...duct_info.html
"Inlet Outside Diameter 1 7/8" "
FAIL if true
right between the two correct factory sizes of 1.75 and 2.0"
So, neither hose will fit right.
FAIL.
You'd think they could spring for a cutaway view or at least a CAD rendering of the business end of this miracle impeller. The flat backside is underwhelmingly unimpressive.
Last edited by Octania; March 12th, 2013 at 09:34 AM.
#21
"closed impellers"
can i assume that this is what you mean by "closed impellers"?
#22
That looks nice.
Did you need to match it with the Robertshaw thermostat that they recommend?
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...ermostats/c22/
How do you decide between a 180 and 195 degree thermostat?
Assume the aluminum will take engine spray paint OK....
Did you need to match it with the Robertshaw thermostat that they recommend?
http://www.flowkoolerwaterpumps.com/...ermostats/c22/
How do you decide between a 180 and 195 degree thermostat?
Assume the aluminum will take engine spray paint OK....
#23
Everyone has different opinion on thermos. I will give mine.
Thermostat temps refer to the minimum temp the engine will maintain.
195 temps came out with emission controls, the thinking that the higher temp resulted in less carbon emissions. If your car can maintain 180 degrees in normal operation, but rises 30 degrees or so under hard running or in traffic then the 180, 175 or 165 thermos give more leeway for that rise then higher rated thermos.
Thermostat temps refer to the minimum temp the engine will maintain.
195 temps came out with emission controls, the thinking that the higher temp resulted in less carbon emissions. If your car can maintain 180 degrees in normal operation, but rises 30 degrees or so under hard running or in traffic then the 180, 175 or 165 thermos give more leeway for that rise then higher rated thermos.
#24
Hasn't it been stated on here somewhere that Flowkooler pumps are just GMB's that have been re-boxed?
76_cutty, put a thermostat in that thing. You're killing that engine slowly if it never reaches operating temp
76_cutty, put a thermostat in that thing. You're killing that engine slowly if it never reaches operating temp
#25
she runs at a steady 180 only takes 3-4 min to warm up, ive been running her like that for 17 years shes still running strong. an old timer told me take it out when i first bought it and its been like that ever since. i didnt know it could be bad for her
#26
Just added photos to my earlier post about a different impeller design that had not been pictured above.
- Eric
- Eric
#27
Just added photos to my earlier post about a different impeller design that had not been pictured above.
#28
Postscript
Ended up purchasing from Supercars.
I really like the idea of supporting small specialist who give good advice, even if I have to pay a premium.
But am feeling a little burned by the markup.
Paid 90.
The pump is an Airtex AW1120.
Generally available at local auto parts stores for around 30 and online for as little as 20.
Cest la vie.
I really like the idea of supporting small specialist who give good advice, even if I have to pay a premium.
But am feeling a little burned by the markup.
Paid 90.
The pump is an Airtex AW1120.
Generally available at local auto parts stores for around 30 and online for as little as 20.
Cest la vie.
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