I need some guidance on choosing a replacement water pump.

I purchased a GMB aluminum water pump. The bearing was much tighter than the OEM pump I was replacing. I wasn't sure what to expect, so in installed the pump anyway. The starter could bearly turn the engine. (I have an '83 with a 12A. all stock).

I have an RMA submitted for credit, just not sure whether the pump was defective and I should buy another GMB, or the design just isn't good for my 12A and I should get an oem pump.

Thanks for your advice and experience.

Chris

 

A lot of people use the gmb pump and this Is the first time I have heard of that problem

Fwiw

 

GMB stuff isn't that great, its the low end of the aftermarket.

 

i have used that water pump on two different 7s and loved it. it worked great with no problems never had any type of starting problems. are you sure its not something else like a weak battery or starter?

 

Maybe the bolts you used are too long? Take them out of the pulley and try spinning it (take off the pulley too). See how well the steel hub turns by itself. If it can be turned by hand, either you have one seriously weak starter! Or the bolts were preventing it from turning due to them bottoming out on the housing. I ran into this once on an OEM waterpump (using oil pan bolts which are short but too long for this application) however I know the GMB housing is further rearward so you'd need some really long bolts to lock it up!

 

Thanks for the replies. I can turn the pulley by hand, the bearing is just stiff compared to the one I am replacing (which is leaking so is probably too loose). I checked that the bolt length is not an issue. I had no issues with the starter three weeks ago before removing the old pump, but the starter is probably old too.

I'll get a replacement GMB and see if it turns easier. If not, I'll switch to an oem pump and hope that it spins easier.

Thanks for the responses. I'll post an update to my efforts for future reference.

 

I hate to ask the obvious, but did the battery die down sitting for that long?

~T.J.

 

Haha, no I have a trickle charger on it. And I also hooked up my RAV4 with jumper cables just to make sure.