Water Pump Woes

socalfiver · Post by **socalfiver** » Fri Sep 10, 2010 9:44 pm

I got a new water pump today from Ebay. Trying to remove the old one, and 2 of the 4 allen bolts are stripped inside.

Any hints for removal before I drill them out, or is that the only way? I'll need new ones either way, and can't get to the 6th and last WP bolt without rwmoving flange and pulley.

I already removed the grilles and a/c radiator to prep for drilling them out.

I hate when a 2 hour job becomes an overnight, have to wait til morning job.

T.Hanson · Post by **T.Hanson** » Sat Sep 11, 2010 7:29 pm

Already stripped is the bummer, because I've never met an ez out that was easy. Not coming to me how/where there are allen bolts, but you've got what you've got. ( Check realoem.com before assembly ?)

I've used one of those little bottle torches, they sell hotter versions, to do the iron / aluminum expand, contract thing.

socalfiver · Post by **socalfiver** » Fri Sep 17, 2010 10:15 am

My fan clutch was held onto the water pump with 4 allen head bolts. I drilled 2 out, and now have normal hex bolts in their place.

The pump wasn't leaking or making noise, but when I pulled it, I found it to be a cheapo with a stamped steel impeller that was heavily encrusted. Way too encrusted to efficiently move the coolant.

I bought a $31 water pump on ebay, and it has a cast, flat bottomed impeller. The car runs cool now, and I didn't even have to replace the radiator or have it rodded out as I had planned.

I've been super lucky with easy outs-on other people's cars, but can never get them to work on my own cars when I need them.

socalfiver · Post by **socalfiver** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 7:41 pm

update:

"Hepu" german made water pump (purchased on Ebay) failed in less than one month. Good news: full Ebay refund.

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Oct 05, 2010 11:38 pm

Good on the refund, but the best water pumps I've seen are GMB with stamped steel impellers. Pump more water and last 100K. A winner in my book.

socalfiver · Post by **socalfiver** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 1:17 pm

The stamped steel one I removed wasn't lasting 100k, that's for sure. It looked to be encrusted with barnacles. Somebody wasn't maintaining their cooling system. It was the PO.

Looking for pumps, I had a hard time finding out the mfr. without actually special ordering the part. Most local parts houses have no idea what brand the pump will be until it arrives. I needed to buy locally so I could get driving again. The ppump I have installed now has a cast impeller and was made in Italy.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Wed Oct 06, 2010 6:35 pm

Please, name & location of where you bought the pump?
Was it a fair price? Do you recommend this place?

socalfiver · Post by **socalfiver** » Thu Oct 07, 2010 11:09 am

I bought my current pump at "E.T.Y. Import Parts" in Eagle Rock. They can get nearly any part I need in about 2 hours, and they're close enough that I can ride my bike there. It's a family business, owned by a Filipino father and son. The specialize in asian and german import parts. They're awesome.

The pump was $74 with tax, but it was worth it. They had it on the shelf.

BTW, when looking for a waterpump for a bolt-on fan for your '80 or '81, ask them to look up the pump for '79. The big stores (AZ, PB, Kragen) all list 2 pumps for '80-'81. One is the screw-on fan style and the other isn't even for a BMW.