• When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Who can recommend a small block water pump???

idrivemopar

Well-Known Member
Local time
3:24 AM
Joined
Apr 30, 2012
Messages
3,698
Reaction score
2,706
Location
Colorado
Just wondering what everyone uses for small block water pumps. I now have to replace the third pump on my 340 in 1500 miles. the first one failed when the shaft moved and caused the pump to squeal real loud because the bearing seized up, the second one did the same thing but ground on the housing, and now this one, mopar performance pump, is leaking from the weep hole. tired of rebuilt pumps, and low quality one, so what is everyone using, I need to get something better, high flow and heavy duty. I see the PRW ones from summit, but no ratings on those.

Let me know who makes good ones!!!!
 
Last edited:
I use hi-flow water pumps on my small block builds. Summit racing has them. A little pricey but worth every penny! 440'
 
I use hi-flow water pumps on my small block builds. Summit racing has them. A little pricey but worth every penny! 440'
I think those are the same build as the Mopar performance ones, and the housing is identical to those and i have had one of those fail already.
 
Should have a different impeller. 440'
 
Should have a different impeller. 440'
If its the 8 blade impeller, those are all i have used. Beginning to think it might be my fan causing the issues, as its powder coated, and maybe its the extra weight and just may be enough to cause issues,. Not sure howerver.
 
Napa new pumps are about as good as can be expected. unless you can find an old OE pump thats in good shape or NOS
 
Maybe there is some other problem?
Bent pulley or fan?
 
Maybe there is some other problem?
Bent pulley or fan?
Pulley is good, fan is straight, but was thinking I might strip off the powder coat, and just paint it. Maybe that coating has thrown the fan out of balance. Seems odd that 3 pumps would have issues with the shaft/bushings and seal.
 
I don't think powder coating is the problem.
Its just about the only thing i havent tried. All the belts are in excellent alignment, pulleys are straight, i have a hayden clutch fan, and i have switched between it and another one, and keep having these issues, driving me nuts!
 
I am using a PRW on my Cuda and have no issues. Based on what you wrote, I am wondering if you are not over tightening the belt.
 
I am using a PRW on my Cuda and have no issues. Based on what you wrote, I am wondering if you are not over tightening the belt.
Thats a good thought, but i have checked with tension gauge and its at spec, maybe just a touch under.
 
I am using a PRW on my Cuda and have no issues. Based on what you wrote, I am wondering if you are not over tightening the belt.
Does that use a different seal, i thought i read that instead of a gasket it uses an 'o' ring to mount to the engine?
 
Unless your coater REALLY oversprayed the fan, I agree that powder is not your problem.

Short of a mil thickness gauge (not a tool most people own), look for heavy buildup or wrinkling especially near Fariday areas (inside corners or where two pieces of metal are really close together but not touching), where the blades are riveted to the center section, or bubbling in the finish.

If those conditions are not present and the overall finish is smooth and consistent everywhere, it's not very likely that an industry standard 3-5 mils of powder is creating enough imbalance to wear out your water pump bearing prematurely.

Check the fan clutch mount and make sure both sides are truly flat. You can also try taking a close up video of the front while the engine is running and slow it down while you watch the video later. It may reveal the source of your wobble.

The only other alternative I can think of is that nothing is made like it used to be so you may be the victim of just straight up crappy manufacturing. Billy went through four "brand new" power window motors and five master cylinders before finding one of each that worked.
 
Unless your coater REALLY oversprayed the fan, I agree that powder is not your problem.

Short of a mil thickness gauge (not a tool most people own), look for heavy buildup or wrinkling especially near Fariday areas (inside corners or where two pieces of metal are really close together but not touching), where the blades are riveted to the center section, or bubbling in the finish.

If those conditions are not present and the overall finish is smooth and consistent everywhere, it's not very likely that an industry standard 3-5 mils of powder is creating enough imbalance to wear out your water pump bearing prematurely.

Check the fan clutch mount and make sure both sides are truly flat. You can also try taking a close up video of the front while the engine is running and slow it down while you watch the video later. It may reveal the source of your wobble.

The only other alternative I can think of is that nothing is made like it used to be so you may be the victim of just straight up crappy manufacturing. Billy went through four "brand new" power window motors and five master cylinders before finding one of each that worked.
I will be looking at things closely one i get it all torn down again. You might be right about crappy made products, we will see what happens with the new pump, summit sent me the wrong one, so i have another one coming hopefully by next week. We will see what i can find. Appreciate the info on what to look for on the powder coating, i will certainly check that carefully and the video idea is great, i have some software that will let me slow things down, and i think i can even do it on my phone as well!

Cheers!
 
Flowkooler
 
Auto Transport Service
Back
Top