For those still suffering with the stock hemi water pumps I thought you might find this interesting. Over the years I have had the need to rebuild a 392 water pump simply because I wouldn't cough up the ridiculous dough they wanted for a "new" one. The problem was getting the parts - sure the seal (I think you can get at McMaster-Carr) but the darned shaft and bearing can be tough to find - that was until I looked at my nearest swap meet!!! After measuring a few things I soon realized that Ma MoPar did in fact use some of the same parts after all - they just hid them in different castings. I have rebuilt several 392 water pumps with parts scavenged from various SWAP MEET deals. Seems everyone recognizes the big dollar 392 pump and wants an arm and a leg for one, but these bad boys use the SAME internals- except for the upper right - the impeller on that one is smaller so you'd have to reuse the old one - no biggie - unless you got a plastic one - those can be trouble (sometimes) to remove in one piece. Don't ask me what these fit - the lower left is 392 - notice the double gussets on the bottom of the bearing support - dead giveaway 392. The others - who knows??? But they are MoPar and have saved me quite a few pennies MORE than once. The biggest problem I noticed is if the "seat" on the 392 casting is corroded. I have chucked these up and faced them off - seems the spring is forgiving enough to not care it's a little shorter - but my next one I am gonna press on a stainless sleeve. On a related note - here's a cool vintage - modified 392 pump housing - heavily ground on and modified - definitely a keeper.
Just guesses but I think the top left 4-bolt is dodge hemi and the top right is flathead 6 cyl. The lower right might be 318
Good ideas. Is the Chevy water pump frowned upon? There is a certain peace of mind to running something that is easily available, especially a part that is likely to blow up when you least expect it - and is difficult to repair when it happens.
Personally I run BOTH the factory 392 Chrysler water pumps and I also run a BB Chevy pump on at least one of my hemi's. So I wouldn't say that the Chevy pump is frowned upon - it's just that some guys prefer the stock look on some cars - I know I do - that's why I run both depending on the car. As far as breaking down - carrying a spare hemi pump is no big deal - easpecially if you get one CHEAP and that was my point here - a way for us tighwads to come up with cheap hemi water pump parts. Last fella I talked with told me he spent something like 200 bucks for a hemi pump and then "ate" another 75 bucks for a core charge - some ridiculous shit like that! I get these "oddball" pumps at the swap meets for anywhere between 5 and 25 bucks. Last time I blew one up I was on the way to meet some buddys at the local cruise - the pump blew about 1/2 mile from the house - I limped home and sawpped it lickity split - topped her off and still made it there on time. Running early hemi's has taught me to keep the shelf stocked with spares - and pack what I can in the trunk.
Did anyone ever compare these Hemi pumps with the newly made Motorhome waterpumps from 440source.com? http://www.440source.com/waterpumps.htm I would *think* by looking at the design of the pump fitment could might as well be very close.
I know water pumps do fail but I can't remember the last time I had to replace one on the road. Usually they are sound enuff to be able to limp home after you add some coolant...maybe several times. I worry more about wheel bearings, tires, etc. Good tech info HR...I found the local bearing supply house can usually get any kind of bearing...and most seals, too. I have a BBC water pump set-up for my 354...but I found a NRS 392 pump for $25.00...I going to run that and rebuild a spare.
I have a rebuilt example of the bottom most pump (P/N 105-1011). Anyone nearby have a 392 housing I can test fit??? Anyone?
Advance Auto Parts sells the water pump for my 315 Dodge Hemi for $40...it's a 4 bolt. It does however have a steel impeller...my stock water pump had a black plastic impeller, not sure if this is original or if somebody replaced it along the way, but I seem to remember reading they started using the plastic impeller in '56 on the Dodge engines...I think what I have is actually a '55 water pump...but I could be mistaken...either way the thing fits and works great! Cheap alternative to using the Chevy pump and adapters. I have the part number in the garage if anybody needs it.
Grainger.com sells water pump seals for industrial applications. I spent at the store looking for a direct replacement for my '51 331, to no avail. I finally just bought the cheapest 5/8" seal they had and adapted it to my pump. With any luck it won't leak.