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Special Coupe Frank · 06-19-2010, 05:04 PM

Yes. I have had this experience.

I bought a leakless from Bratton's when I got my new Brassworks radiator, in March.

There was a slip in the water pump box indicating that the impeller might need to be dressed-down a bit, to avoid grinding against the head.

If I remember correctly, it instructed fitting the pump up to the head w/o a gasket, and while holding it in place, to turn the fan-hub.

If dragging is felt, keep turning the hub several revolutions, while pushing-in on the pump.

Remove the pump from the head, and inspect the impeller to see where the high-spots are (will be rusty-red where it was rubbing against the hub). Carefully dress-down the high spots with a grinder, and test-fit again.

When the impeller spins free, install the pump with the gasket.

I had to dress-down the ends of the impeller-fins (the edge facing the firewall, as the pump sits on the engine) on my leakless.

I think it took two fittings, then all was good.

Over 1,000 leakless miles since.

Good luck with yours !

06-19-2010, 05:04 PM	#2
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: new waterpump too big? Yes. I have had this experience. I bought a leakless from Bratton's when I got my new Brassworks radiator, in March. There was a slip in the water pump box indicating that the impeller might need to be dressed-down a bit, to avoid grinding against the head. If I remember correctly, it instructed fitting the pump up to the head w/o a gasket, and while holding it in place, to turn the fan-hub. If dragging is felt, keep turning the hub several revolutions, while pushing-in on the pump. Remove the pump from the head, and inspect the impeller to see where the high-spots are (will be rusty-red where it was rubbing against the hub). Carefully dress-down the high spots with a grinder, and test-fit again. When the impeller spins free, install the pump with the gasket. I had to dress-down the ends of the impeller-fins (the edge facing the firewall, as the pump sits on the engine) on my leakless. I think it took two fittings, then all was good. Over 1,000 leakless miles since. Good luck with yours !