water pump dilemma

[toddbracik]

Hey guys, I bought a rebuilt water pump about 5 years ago and finally got around to installing it this week. Yeah that was my first mistake but anyway. When I bolt the thing to the block @ the correct torque specs, the spindle blade drags against the back plate in one spot. I removed the back plate to see what was going on and it turns out that the blade was pressed on crooked. I'm sure the parts store where I got it wont replace it now that its 5 years later. Would it matter if I just installed the thing anyway and just let it "wear in"? It's an aluminum blade against the steel back plate so Im sure it would. However, would this hurt the performance of the unit? Thanks in advance! Todd Bracik.

[Plymouthy Adams]

what are the chances you can put this on a press and properly square the blades on the shaft...you do not want this to run with no clearance..

[toddbracik]

I would do it if I had the proper tools. I only have a gear puller and a vice.

[Jerry Roberts]

Did you buy it locally ? If it was me , even though it has been a few years , I would bring it to the store and explain the situation . You have nothing to loose .

[toddbracik]

I got it from carquest. I'll take it by there tomorrow and see if they can do anything for me.

[jchalk1949]

I agree with with Jerry. If they won't take it back, and the 5 yr. old one looks new, you could, depending on your ethics, buy a new one from the same company and same manufacturer. Then you could install the newest one and return the 5 yr. old one in the new box. All things being equal, I see nothing wrong

Me personally, I would do it if the same manufacturer was used.

[Jerry Roberts]

I got it from carquest. I'll take it by there tomorrow and see if they can do anything for me.

Your luck might be best if you can speak with the manager .

[toddbracik]

Well I went to carquest and did speak to the manager. he said he would have swapped it out for me but the books no longer go back that far so he can no longer get the pump. He did, however, give me the name of a machinist down the street. I went down there and he pressed the impeller further onto the shaft for free which fixed the problem. After i saw him do it, I realized i could have probably pressed it myself with my vice and a 3/4 socket. Anyway, thanks for that advice guys!