[GT182]

Back from the meeting with Cardone in Philly, PA. It was a great success for all of us with overheating issues.

This turned out great thanks to Paul Spotts from PY, Cardone manager Therese Lal, Abraham George their engineer, Tom from Cardone, Charles and Dan. Plus a special thanks to Paul, as without him and his knowlege of Pontiac engines, this would not have happened. I surely could not have conveyed all of what was needed for this to happen on my own.

Paul explained and showed the problems we're all having, and Cardone did listen. It will probably take a couple of months to be sorted out, but Cardone says they can and will fix our biggest problem with overheating. It will probably be a new part number once done for both the 8 and 11 bolts pumps, so stay tuned so you know what it will be. PY or Paul will probably have that before I do and will let everyone know. Or it will be posted here if conveyed to me by either of them.

Solution:
It's been found that there is no standardization on how the impellers are installed to the water pump. Paul gave them a set of original and reproduced divider plates so they can see the correct gap needed that does away with cavatation. He also gave them an 8 bolt timing cover and I gave them an eleven bolt timing cover. Now they can see how both of their 8 & 11 bolt rebuilt pumps, for either pump with divider plates and timing covers all need fit together as a unit.

Also there will be no more shaving of the vanes on the impellers. The original divider plates everyone have that can still be used, and the reproductions, will no longer need to be beaten on to get the correct gap. Cardone had an original pump with the incorrect vane height that I put my altered and original divider plates on to see the differences. Now they see the problem as they couldn't before. Paul showed the correct unaltered pump and the unmolested original plates and how they fit with the correct gap. Plus it's found that the keyway, as cut in the original Pontiac rear divider plate, is not neccessary in the reproductions being made.

Cardone also said they will no longer use the stamped impellers, as they now see they are not as good as the cast impellers.

So when everything is set up and out the door from Cardone, you will now be able to buy the water pump you need, install it and the divider plates right out of the box. No "tweeking" will be required. And hopefully, I say hopefully, all will be as it was from the factory.... once again.

So when Cardone's remanufactured Pontiac water pumps hit the market, ask for their Pontiac water pumps only if you buy from anyone other than PY or Ames. I know PY will carry these, and I'm sure Ames will also. Other parts stores will follow once these catch on, and there will no longer be a need for the pumps that are only a 'band-aid' fix for the problem.

Cardone has lived up to their policy of making the best product they can to meet the consumer's needs. And that sure does wonders for us all and our Classic Pontiacs.