I was replacing the water pump(200) today in preperation for a new radiator. This was my project for the day. I cleaned everything up and got new grade 5 bolts to install it, spray bombed the new pump and heater hose fitting. Everything was going great. I got the pump snugged down and went about my piddling. About 5-10 minutes later I returned and instinctively wanted to turn the pump hub by hand. It would not budge! What's going on here?! I first loosened the bolts just a bit and it freed up some. OK, off with the pump. The impeller on the pump was rubbing the number one cylinder(in water jacket). I'd never had that happen before and was puzzled. I took the pump back(autozone) and ordered one from carquest. I will fit the pump first before I go through the trouble of making everything "pretty". Peyton in Ohio
Sounds like the remanufacturer put on a larger impeller than was originally there. I've put on numerous ones on various makes of cars and never had that happen. I've never had a problem with any Auto Zone remanufactured parts, but there is always a first time. There used to be a chain called Trac Auto and they were famous for having sub standard rebuilds. I went through 3 alternators there once one after the other in the same day and ended up buying the fourth elsewhere. Needless to say, Trac Auto is no longer in business.
