Water pump replacement

Discussion in 'Technical' started by mojo, Jun 1, 2021.

  1. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,250
    Likes Received:
    818
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    I have a coolant leak I believe is coming from water pump seal/bearing. Pump is not whining, and I can't say for certain that's where leak is coming from as there are 3 belt crank pulley and ps pump blocking my view.
    I thought it may have been lower hose, replaced, not the issue. Pump was installed 2012 w/ about 10K miles at this point.
    The question: I am considering going w/ alum. hi-flow to replace OE type cast unit. I read on Tuff Stuff performance site, going w/ hi-flow pump dictates hi-flow T-stat.
    Any one have any experience w/ this type setup ---- recommendations?
     
  2. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,561
    Likes Received:
    2,319
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    The '86-'90 Crown Vic & Grand Marquis use a aluminum pump that is std rotation.

    Since early '90s, I've had a high flow water pump on my 428, thermostat is a off the shelf Stant. AFAIK the small blocks use same stat, logic would dictate any quality replacement would have ample flow. If cooling system is doing it's job, thermostat should only be slightly open anyway.
     
  3. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Jul 20, 2009
    Messages:
    5,250
    Likes Received:
    818
    Trophy Points:
    498
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chicago
    Vehicle:
    73 Comet GT-302 4bl
    Thanks for the reply/info. I'm going w/ the stat that's in car now, mostly just need to stop/figure out my leak.
    Are you using CI or alum. on the FE block?
     
  4. tody

    tody Member

    Joined:
    Apr 12, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Likes Received:
    212
    Trophy Points:
    178
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    cologne, germany
    Vehicle:
    72 comet gt, 67 club wagon, 65 mustang
    I vote for saving money and going stock replacement.
    My pump had similar issues, slight leak through the weephole after roughly 8-10 years, no other noticeable problems.
    During the whole time, I had no problems cooling my high performance 347 driven at high speeds for longer periods of time on the german autobahn, stock cast iron water pump, stock 180° thermostat. Only 'performance' part in the cooling system is the aluminum radiator...
     
  5. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,561
    Likes Received:
    2,319
    Trophy Points:
    531
    Garage:
    1
    Location:
    Chesapeake VA
    Vehicle:
    1972 Comet GT clone 306 . 1969 Fairlane Cobra 428CJ 1988 T-Bird awaiting 331 ..
    It's is Flowkooler, cast iron.
     

Share This Page