Water Pump rebuild DIY?
 

As a "learning experience", I am attempting to rebuild the original GM aluminum water pump from my crate motor. Have the new bearings,new seal, and the original fan hub reinstalled. My concern is reinstalling the original impeller onto the shaft. The instructions call for the clearance between the impeller blades and the housing to be between .010" - .0135". I do not feel comfortable trying to control a shop press to such a tight clearance, especially with an aluminum housing, and stamped steel impeller blades.
Also, the interference fit between the shaft and the impeller, appears to be right around .008" - which seems excessive for such a small shaft.
Does anyone have any &quot;tips&quot; that they could pass along? [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/hmmm.gif[/img]

Kent

Re: Water Pump rebuild DIY?
 

Anyone on here have any experience rebuilding waterpumps?

Kent

Re: Water Pump rebuild DIY?
 

Messed with one years ago. Like most items, the rebuilts are so cheap, it is way more cost effective to just buy, so that is what happened over the years.

Never monkeyed around with an aluminum housing WP.
I wouldn't worry about that interference fit. Stamped steel moves pretty easy. Not like a damper.

As for controlling the shop press, my only advice is to go slow, use some penetrating oil for lube so it doesn't &quot;jump&quot; too much at a time, and tap the press with a hammer lightly while stroking. Guessing you have plenty of steel blocks and plates to support the housing.

Re: Water Pump rebuild DIY?
 

I had my original water pump rebuilt by Cardone. Try contacting them.

Re: Water Pump rebuild DIY?
 

&gt;008&quot; clearance in a press fit is excessive. We always worked with .003-.004&quot; You can help it along by heating the hub in an oven (watch out for the wifes rolling pin!) You can also put the correct shims between the impeller and housing and press the hub on with everything fully assembled. When its done remove the shims.