Tight impellar type water pump

[Steven Cummings]

Hi,

I was working on putting the timing belt on our 3.5L Chrysler. I bought the new pump and tensioner but will be reusing the hydraulic tensioner.

The question that I have regards the water pump. It spins freely when not attached or only lightly bolted down. When torqueing to 105in/lbs, the water pump does NOT spin freely. I had the belt on and had no issues turning the engine by hand and the pump appeared to be spinning to me.

Is this normal, or is the pump bad?

Topic

[Lorrin Barth]

I never had a pump that turned any differently after install. it makes me think the impeller is rubbing. Did you leave out a gasket?

[619DioFan]

compare the new pump with the old one. make sure they are the same.

[Steven Cummings]

I have to find the old pump, hope I didn’t toss it yet. Yes, the gasket was in.

[EricTheCarGuy]

I’m guessing it’s an aftermarket part. That said, sometimes they just don’t fit as well as OE parts. It’s hard to say if it’s making contact via the impeller as suggested, or the body of the pump is warping as you fasten it down. I haven’t run into this issue so I really can’t say.

Keep us posted.

[Steven Cummings]

Yes, it is a part by Gates. Usually they are spot on with their parts being equivalent. I just had no familiarity with this type of water pump and was unsure about how it should fit.

[EricTheCarGuy]

Honestly, it seems no brand is safe now that everything is made in China. Keep us posted.

[619DioFan]

[quote=”KingMeander” post=89634]I have to find the old pump, hope I didn’t toss it yet. Yes, the gasket was in.[/quote]

If you don’t have the old water pump dap some white paint on the impeller blades of the new pump and install it. spin it by hand and then remove. if the impeller is rubbing inside the block the paint will show it.

[Author]

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