Lets talk leakless water pumps!

[Jason in TX]

Interested in learning more about what is available in the leakless water pump market today. I know that some will say "There is nothing wrong with the packing nut and lead. Just use that."

I've used those pumps and loved them also, so this isn't a "Leakless is better" thread. I just want to talk about leakless pumps.

I've personally rebuilt a few pumps to be leakless using the new brass rear bushing with the modern neoprene seals and a new stainless steel shaft and had good success with no leaks.


However, you still have to grease the front bearing and rear bushing. I've got no problem with the maintenance hitting the pump with a little grease at the same time I'm greasing the chassis, but the thought of a maintenance free pump is talking to me.

So, I wanted to talk about what are all the options in the top of the line leakless pumps. I've heard some people talking about modern ceramic rear bushings. I've seen the sealed front bearings that are pressed on the shaft that require no grease and eliminate end play. These sound nice since I'm running A/C and the front end of the pump gets a little more tension on the belt.

So who is making the different types of pumps?

Whats the story on the bushing with ceramic seal?

Whats the story on the one piece bushing and sealed packing nut?

Anyone had the sealed front bushings or the brass rear bushing spin loose in the water pump housing?

Does the pressed on sealed front bushing really eliminate end play, removing the need for a shaft collar.

And what is the difference in the pumps that the various suppliers are supplying?

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SNYDER'S: $113 <-- (click link to view product)
The nose of the pump housing has been bored out to accept a ball bearing that is pressed onto the shaft to eliminate end play. It also has a sealed rear bushing assembly with a stock pack nut. The pack nut has teflon packing in it as a back up. Caomes with gasket and fan mounting kit. Rear bushing requires grease. The heaviest-duty pump available! One year warranty. U.S.A.

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BRATTONS: $121 <-- (click link to view product)
The pump housing has a sealed front bearing that never needs grease. Bearing is pressed into the housing and onto the shaft. This will eliminate shaft endplay. Rear bronze bushing has a lipped neoprene seal to keep water out. Shaft is stainless steel with impeller pinned to shaft. Shaft is locked to pump, therefore, no endplay. Includes both grease fittings, rear bearing is greased, pump is painted, ready for service. Guaranteed no leaks for 2 years. This new casting looks N.O.S. Leakless

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SNYDER'S: $125 <-- (click link to view product)
This kit will convert your pump housing to a modern type. Shaft has a sealed NEEDLE bearing insert that presses into front of pump, and sealed pack nut with needle bearings has built in rear bushing that presses into the rear of the pump. The casting where rear bushing assembly pressed into your old housing must be 1.015/1.016 and the nose of your pump must be 1.187 in order to use this kit. U.S.A. Housing is painted, grease fittings are included for appearance only. Gasket and fan mounting kit included. One year warranty.



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MAC'S: $131 <-- (click link to view product)
(currently out of stock. Who makes these, or are they all the same?)
Leakless style water pumps feature a sealed front ball bearing , stainless steel shaft and an improved ceramic seal that requires no greasing. Both grease fittings are for appearance only. This is truly the only solution to water pump problems. It looks like the original pump with a brass packing nut. A gasket & fan mounting hardware is included.
These bolt on & go deluxe pumps will work in a pressurized system. Maintenence-free & USA made.

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MIKE'S: $140 <-- (click link to view product)
The finest pump available. No Exchange Needed. Stainless steel shaft with leakless pack nut and pinned impeller. Totally sealed unit - never needs greasing. The front bearing is increased to a sealed 1 1/2"" needle bearing. All of the end play has been totally eliminated, pinned impeller and non greasable grease fittings are in place for show purpose only. There cannot be a better water pump on the market today. Included A8507 Gasket and A8510MB Fan Mounting Set.

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JIM RUPERT "ORIGINAL LEAKLESS" - $165 <-- (click link to view product)
Machined for a sealed bearing at the front of the pump (fan end).

Rear bushing is machined for a neoprene lip seal uniquely installed into the bushing (impeller end).

A stainless steel insert is machined and installed into the bushing on top of the seal so that the wear area of the bushing is still the same size.

A 17-4 ph stainless steel shaft is used and has been heat treated to increase the hardness.

The stainless steel shaft is machined for a snap ring (fan end) to eliminate endplay.

Each pump is pressure tested for leaks.

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JIM RUPERT "XD LEAKLESS" - $235 <-- (click link to view product)

Machined for a sealed bearing at the front of the pump (fan end).

A machined stainless steel housing retains both the sealed bearing and the neoprene lip seal at the rear of the pump (impeller end).

A 17-4 ph stainless steel shaft is used, and has been heat treated to increase the hardness.

The stainless steel shaft is machined for a snap ring (fan end) to eliminate end play.
Each pump is pressure tested for leaks.


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What are some other suppliers or options out there in stock looking A pumps?

I look forward to hearing everyone's input.