Water pump installation issue!

[BamaFury]

I’ve installed a few water pumps in my life. I did it today on my 1963 Newport. Buttoned everything back up minus the belt and noticed I could barely rotate the water pump by way of the fan.
It’s almost like the impeller is rubbing and hitting the inside the block. Because it comes to a hard stop after about an eighth of a turn (both ways). I ordered from Harbor Freight. It’s a Carter that absolutely states it is for my application (361bb).
I mess with it again in the morning. Until then, any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[detmatt]

A Harbor Freight water pump???

 

[BamaFury]

A Harbor Freight water pump???

Yes. I paid $1500 for it with a locked motor and 3 speed on the floor. So- I’m not buying top shelf stuff for a four door beater.
I did successfully get the motor unstuck, established spark, and she fired right up. I’ve replaced the brake master, fuel pump, oil change with zinc additive, and now this water pump w/ new thermostat.

 

[BamaFury]

Yes. I paid $1500 for it with a locked motor and 3 speed on the floor. So- I’m not buying top shelf stuff for a four door beater.
I did successfully get the motor unstuck, established spark, and she fired right up. I’ve replaced the brake master, fuel pump, oil change with zinc additive, and now this water pump w/ new thermostat.

 

[Justin Plant]

Search your WP part number on Carter's site. Make sure it is for your car. It may have been shipped wrong. Also, check the casting #s on your engine, it may not be a 63.

 

[detmatt]

I black listed harbor freight years ago for fear I would continue to get what I paid for….
I understand things sold there may have improved a bit but I did not know they had an auto parts department.

 

[MONC440]

Could be the impeller was not pressed on the correct spec.

 

[Big_John]

I black listed harbor freight years ago for fear I would continue to get what I paid for….
I understand things sold there may have improved a bit but I did not know they had an auto parts department.

Harbor Freight doesn't sell auto parts.

Bet the OP meant Rock Auto or something similar.

 

[Big_John]

Could be the impeller was not pressed on the correct spec.

^This^

Or the shaft is too long. Seems to me someone else ran into this problem with an earlier car and I can't remember if it was a pump problem or the cavity in the housing wasn't deep enough.

Some comparison to the old pump would be in order.

 

[aaron72]

On my 63 New Yorker, when replacing the water pump, the flange that the fan bolts to is much shallower than the OE version, and the bolts would reach the face of the pump itself. Might want to check how deep the bolts are and if you are rubbing or hitting the pump face. I had to get some spacers to keep the end of the bolts out a bit further.

 

[The_Eagles’_Nest]

The impeller being pushed into the housing and locking up the pump is the first thing I said when this popped up on facebook.

After scores of cheap water pumps going out and having to be in there almost 3-4 times a year I will only do a rebuilt original pump or FlowKooler.

 

[66furys]

I tried one of the well known hi flow aluminum rotor pumps. It did the same thing. After a bit of dye checking and grinding, not a lot, it functioned. I may yet go back to another hi flow I got later, with the steel blade type pump. And, will also do some checking clearance before install. The vanes should be close clearanced to the interior body, so a bit of checking is always in order.

 

[lemondana]

Did you use a gasket? I had that happen 40 years ago-just using RTV and it wouldn't turn. You have to use a gasket!

 

[detmatt]

Harbor Freight doesn't sell auto parts.

Bet the OP meant Rock Auto or something similar.

I don’t use Rock Auto either unless for last resort.

 

[BamaFury]

Sorry. Yes. I meant Rock Auto not Harbor Freight! @aaron72 is spot on. My bolts were bottoming out. So I used a couple washers and she spins fine. The Carter WP coupled with the aluminum rad is doing great so far!
Another question for you guys: What’s the closest fuel tank that I can replace mine with. No 63 Chrysler’s from my search efforts. AGAIN- this isn’t a candidate for any type of restoration. So, close is fine with me.

 

[aaron72]

Sorry. Yes. I meant Rock Auto not Harbor Freight! @aaron72 is spot on. My bolts were bottoming out. So I used a couple washers and she spins fine. The Carter WP coupled with the aluminum rad is doing great so far!
Another question for you guys: What’s the closest fuel tank that I can replace mine with. No 63 Chrysler’s from my search efforts. AGAIN- this isn’t a candidate for any type of restoration. So, close is fine with me.

View attachment 719202

I believe Mopar Mall lists a tank, but they usually source their items from other sellers, so you should be able to come across some others if you fine tune your search.

 

[Big_John]

Sorry. Yes. I meant Rock Auto not Harbor Freight! @aaron72 is spot on. My bolts were bottoming out. So I used a couple washers and she spins fine. The Carter WP coupled with the aluminum rad is doing great so far!
Another question for you guys: What’s the closest fuel tank that I can replace mine with. No 63 Chrysler’s from my search efforts. AGAIN- this isn’t a candidate for any type of restoration. So, close is fine with me.

View attachment 719202

Gas Tank -1964-1966 Imperial, 1963-1964 Chrysler, Dodge 880-Mod Tank

 

[PursuitSpecial]

I had this problem manifest on my 400. The pump worked initially and lasted about 6 months and 1200 miles. One day I was sitting at a light and the belt started squealing because the pump locked up. The impeller was already very close to the pump housing and walking back a few thousandths from use caused it to scrape and stick. It unstuck after taking off, but if you revved the engine to a high rpm you could hear and feel it scraping. The seal failed soon after. It was a Murray and they honored the warranty at least.

 

[BigWally]

BTW, kudos 2 u for getting that Blue Bama Baby back on the road agin!