SBC V8 Water Pump Failure, 3 Styles of Pumps Tested BYPASS THERMOSTAT UPDATE Options

[nick mironov]

My Renegade water pump failed yesterday. The pump impeller is stamped steel and the blades all just folded over or sheared off. I understand that the cast impellers are much stronger, but that not all manufacturer's cast models will fit into the Renegade housing. Anybody have experience with cast impeller pumps that will fit into the Renegade housing?

Since there is no bypass in the Renegade system, Renegade instructions are to limit the motor RPM to 3,000, or less, untill the thermostat opens. I have observed this, but the pump still failed after 5,500 miles. Renegade now makes a bypass kit, which I going to try, but I would still like to get a more durable pump.

Nick

[TC 914-8]

Yep I was one of those recient failures.

I went to the local AP store and tried to match up the crysler water pump with one in stock. one had too deep of impeller 6 blades, another had too large of a shaft blocking the rear inlet on the volute. I settled for a stamped 6 blade that seemed to fit and didnt block the inlet. for curiousity I stopped off at Shucks to see what they had. I found an 8 blade stamped steel with shallow blades that fit into the volute, not restricting the inlet. You can feel the outlet hoses " pressurize" when the enging is reved up. I almost question the hose sizing 7/8 supply to the rad, and 1-1/8 return to the pump.
fyi,I don't run a T-stat, I do wonder if I an over pressurizing the outlet, hoses swell when reved, but in all reality it is a circulating pump, as fluid moves out, the same volume returns to the inlet. No head required, the only restrictions are the block and radiator, if they both flow well, the return water to the pump should keep it from cavitating.
Well see if this one lasts or if the cast impeller is the way to go (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)