[george kujanski]

Yep, I'm here listening and interested that the root cause of the problem is finally being addressed.

I'm not surprised that the staff at Cardone was not really aware of the situation, given the variety of designs they deal with, especially the simpler ones like SBC's which don't require the same attention to detail, apparently.

Hopefully they will come thru and supply direct-fit pumps.

Kudos to the members that brought our situation to the attention of Cardone.

George

[GT182]

I received my pump from Cardone this past Friday. Before I left for the Home Show I had to set up for in Dover, I fitted the plates/pump on the timing cover.... twice. Found something interesting.

Using the repopped SS divider plates with the pump snugged up on the timing cover, the impeller hits the rear plate. Not by much but it still hits... you can feel and hear it.

Using the original divider plate with the keyway snugged up like before, the impeller doesn't hit.

The only thing I can think of and have discussed it with Ames and Cardone, is the SS plate is bending towards the pump when tightened. The keyway in the original is a relief so the plate doesn't bend.

I know it sounds strange but it's what's happening. I've contacted Cardone and they're looking into it. They'll probably change their setup so the gap is just a little more so you won't have to play with the rear SS divider plate and there'll still be no cavatation. This will make it easier for Ames Engineering too.... they won't have to cut a keyway in their plates.

When I hear more from Cardone I'll let you know what's going on. So keep an on what's happening.

One other thing.....

I talked with my friend at Pep Boys here in Bear, DE about the problem we've been having. Pep Boys only sells Bosch water pumps.... no other brands. He in turn contacted Bosch and relayed the problem to them to see if they'd take a look at their pumps. Bosch says no way, their pumps won't be changed no way no how. To them there is no problem and they make changes they want only when they think there's a need to. According to them we have no problem with their water pumps for our old Pontiacs. My recommendation.... stay away from Bosch pumps. If anyone has them and tries to sell you one, tell em to take a hike. And after that it's in my book.... a Cardone water pump is the only one I'll buy.

[Sirrotica]

Originally Posted by GT182

I received my pump from Cardone this past Friday. Before I left for the Home Show I had to set up for in Dover, I fitted the plates/pump on the timing cover.... twice. Found something interesting.

Using the repopped SS divider plates with the pump snugged up on the timing cover, the impeller hits the rear plate. Not by much but it still hits... you can feel and hear it.

Using the original divider plate with the keyway snugged up like before, the impeller doesn't hit.

The only thing I can think of and have discussed it with Ames and Cardone, is the SS plate is bending towards the pump when tightened. The keyway in the original is a relief so the plate doesn't bend.

I know it sounds strange but it's what's happening. I've contacted Cardone and they're looking into it. They'll probably change their setup so the gap is just a little more so you won't have to play with the rear SS divider plate and there'll still be no cavatation. This will make it easier for Ames Engineering too.... they won't have to cut a keyway in their plates.

When I hear more from Cardone I'll let you know what's going on. So keep an on what's happening.

One other thing.....

I talked with my friend at Pep Boys here in Bear, DE about the problem we've been having. Pep Boys only sells Bosch water pumps.... no other brands. He in turn contacted Bosch and relayed the problem to them to see if they'd take a look at their pumps. Bosch says no way, their pumps won't be changed no way no how. To them there is no problem and they make changes they want only when they think there's a need to. According to them we have no problem with their water pumps for our old Pontiacs. My recommendation.... stay away from Bosch pumps. If anyone has them and tries to sell you one, tell em to take a hike. And after that it's in my book.... a Cardone water pump is the only one I'll buy.

I made an attempt to contact Bosch also and didn't get a live person on the phone so I left a brief outline of the problem on their voicemail. I said if I heard back from them i a day or so I would surmise that they are interested in maybe talking about modifications. I also said if I didn't hear back from them I would take it that they weren't interested in solving the problem. That would be conveyed online that they have the attitude that they can do no wrong and aren't interested in product improvement, we shall see. It would be nice to have more than one company making the correct waterpump for our cars. I really fear that this is going to be a futile attempt though.

[GT182]

Brad, they'll fluff you off just like they did to my friend over at Pep Boys.

Also note that Pep Boys only sells Bosch waterpumps, nothing else. If any of you go to Pep Boys, bug the living daylights out of them to get Cardone pumps.

[Engine-Ear]

Originally Posted by GT182

... the impeller hits the rear plate. ... you can feel and hear it. ...the original divider plate with the keyway snugged up like before, the impeller doesn't hit.

One other thing.....
Pep Boys only sells Bosch water pumps....Bosch says no way, their pumps won't be changed no way no how.

Thanks for the update!

So assuming you have a press, is there any sanity in rebuilding your own water pump? I am one of those guys running the early (4-bolt) water pumps and with the impeller issue being what it is on those, it seems like a worthy effort.