Drake water pumps

01aford

01aford

Senior Member
I heard some folks had issues with Drakes new pumps and asked to explain in another thread. Never heard back.
I was thinking about getting a pair for my spare engine.
What are the issues?
 
01aford said:
I heard some folks had issues with Drakes new pumps and asked to explain in another thread. Never heard back.
I was thinking about getting a pair for my spare engine.
What are the issues?
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I believe the final conclusion was that whoever is making them for Drake (probably someone in China) had missed the final drilling operation on the mounting holes and you could not bolt them to the block. It was Charlie, NY who first posted problems with these pumps on the old Barn. I believe he sent his pumps back and Drake replaced them with new/reworked pumps. I would imagine that that problem is now under control. You could always call them and make sure before you order or another possibility is to get a good set of original core pumps rebuilt by Skip Haney in Florida. JM
 
The problem with the early 40 water pumps was the mounts holes were off location and could,nt be bolted down.Since then they were to be checked before shipping.I just started my 8ba with new water pumps today and seem fine.I was going to buy from speedway and they were on back order,so i bought from hot rod shop and didn,t hear from for about 3 weeks.Then got email saying they would be shipped.I went right away the Speedway and they were in stock.Get this the hot rod shop got them for another place and reboxed and sent to me.So they didn't come from Speedway.My guess they must all be buying from same place.If i were you i'd go with Speedway.
 
01a,
Drake fixed the hole size and location on the pumps I bought from them...
all is well now...I'm very happy with the pumps and how things got squared away
after the customer relations girl became involved...Tina I think.
The guy on the phone dropped the ball but she picked it up.
By the way Skip Haneys pumps are Aok as well.
Charlie ny
 
mike in las vegas said:
I sent Skip my pumps and the turn around was better than out of stock. Flowing good no leaks and bolts right up.:)
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I would go with Skips pumps before I ever considered Drake, Speedy Bill, Carpenter or anyone else selling these pumps that are most likely all made by the same shop located in China. JMO....and I'm sticking to it.
I just sent two sets of '37-'48 original Ford pump cores to Skip yesterday for rebuild. These pumps were made in the USA, will be rebuilt in the USA, and if ever necessary, warranty repaired in the USA. God bless America! (what is left of it!). JM
 
JM, I would like to add that in over 6 years of doing the pumps Skip has never charged anyone to repair the pumps if they had a problem. The same with his coils for over 12 years. Who else has a warrantee like this?? G.M.
 
I also have original water pumps rebuilt by Skip. With originals you know they fit and were built to Ford specs. There are plenty of original cores around so why go with something new that obviously is lacking in quality control?
 
I just installed the Drake pumps. The passenger side fit perfectly. The drivers side needed to be ground down for clearance because it hit the front cover. The interference was at the top of the pump casting near the upper mounting hole. Of course, I didn't find this out until the pump was painted and had gasket sealer on it. Next time, I'll test fit first. Can't report if they make a difference with cooling since the car is still layed up with the ignition being freshened up.
 
I got a pair of Water Pump for my 1948 Ford V-8 from Dennis Carpenter and they are perfect. No problems what so ever. Fit just like a glove, run nice and cool.
 
If you read the article on Flathead waterpumps in the June 2010 issue of Street Rodder magazine where various pumps where examined you would be fitting Drake pumps.

David
 
G.M. said:
JM, I would like to add that in over 6 years of doing the pumps Skip has never charged anyone to repair the pumps if they had a problem. The same with his coils for over 12 years. Who else has a warrantee like this?? G.M.
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Since you asked, I stand behind my rebuilt carburetors, which I do as a hobby. I haven't rebuilt these for years and years, but stand behind them nevertheless. I've read on the 'barn where others have publicly asked customers to return parts that needed further attention. Again, I only post this since you asked.;)
 
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