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]

Great write up, details and data.
When I was looking for a replacement pump after my failure, I came accross 2 stamped impellers, one 6-blade and one 8 blade., I went with the 8-blade, I do have concerns of overpressurizing my system at high RPM, my outlet hoses from the pump and the hose exiting the engine, swell like a ball park frank when reved up. I don't have a T-stat so dead heading shouldent be a problem. I would be curious on measuring the above pumps gpm and head and plotting a performance curve like OEM water circulating pumps, just a thought.
I'll keep your info handy, if my new 8 blade pump fails I'll be going with a cast type.
Good job,

Thanks,

T