Rebuilt water pump seems to tight

[Henry1953]

I just finished rebuilding my water pump with the complete leakless kit from Brattons. I also installed the modern front roller bearing that uses the pressed on hardened shaft sleeve. After everything is together and greased the impeller does not turn as freely as I thought it would. I installed the two blade fan and if I give it a spin it stops before completing a turn. It is smooth but not completely free. I also completely loosened the packing nut and there is no change. The leakless set up I chose allows you to put some packing material in just in case the o ring ever fails.

Have any of you had a similar problem? Will it loosen up after some use?

I now wish I had just bought the complete assembled heavy duty water pump with leakless greaseless bearing front and back from Berts. I am running an alternater and wanted a heavy duty front bearing.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

The shaft maybe hitting the boss inside the head. Add another gasket and try again.

 

[Mitch//pa]

you may have to grind the backside of the shaft a little which could be contacting the head.
the best heavy duty greaseless water pump on the market is
http://leaklessapumps.com/extreme.htm

 

[Henry1953]

The water pump is not yet mounted onto the head. It just won't free wheel in my hand. I think I will order the pump Mitch suggested. Thanks for the help.

 

[Bob C]

I think your fine. I just did one and with the felt seals in the front
bearing area grease, seals and packing it's not going to freewheel.

Bob

 

[PAracer]

I just built a pump with the same parts from Brattons. It seemed harder to turn than I felt it should have.. I showed it to the president of our local club and he said it was fine. I plan on running it when I get the motor back together.
Mike

 

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Vermin's beautiful stock rebuilt pump & 2 blade fan has "maybe" 40 miles on it. It turns medium stiff. I "feel" that's probably NORMAL.
I opted for a greaseless, leakless pump & a 6 blade plastic fan.
Bill W.

 

[Henry1953]

Thanks everybody. I am going to run it and see what happens.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

Thanks everybody. I am going to run it and see what happens.

Way to go!

 

[RandyinUtah]

I have been running the same water pump set up from Brattons for a few years which seemed stiff at first but over time it loosened up and turns free.

 

[Henry1953]

I cranked my engine today with the rebuilt pump, new heavy duty Brassworks radiator,and new thermostat in housing. I also took the head off and cleaned out all of the water passages. The engine was running hot even idling (not boiling but pushing 190) but now it never exceeded 160. I am happy.