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MG MGA - Water pump rebuild

I have the later style all cast steel water pump, with the bearings in a tube. I want to replace the seal, bearings seem OK except I have soaked the whole pump in TSP solution to degrease it.
How do I remove the bearing assembly from the shaft? I see Moss lists a seal , but is it the right one?
During disassembly the spring clip disintegrated so I guess I'll have to fabricate one from wire somehow.
Art Pearse

Hi Art - wouldn't it just be a lot easier (and very little dearer) to buy a new one?
Cam Cunningham

Cam, yes it would be easier, but I'm a cheapskate at heart and like to fiddle around and fix things if I can, plus I read that the original pumps are basically better quality than the plastic or tin impellered replacement ones. It would seem to be impossible to remove the bearing tube, based on the X section in the manual which shows the inner races cut from the shaft itself. So it looks like the impeller has to come off, but the puller hooks slip on the slope of the impeller.
Art Pearse

Art,
I agree with your desire to rebuild your pump. That is the beauty of the 50's vintage British cars. They were designed to be rebuilt--and lubricated. The parts bearings, castings, and machining is all done to a high standard and much better than the replacement parts available today. Besides maintaining the original parts, you can save money and get higher quality results. Plus it is about as good a time you can have and still keep your clothes on. Add in a beer while you work away, and you approach Nirvana.
You need a press dismantle your pump. Remove the drive flange from the front first and then press out the shaft. The Moss seal should work fine.
The very early MGA pumps have a fan drive flange that is held on with a bolt on a keyed shaft. These are easier to rebuild but sadly parts are not available.
The impellors on the replascement cast pumps are pretty good but nothing beats an OEM pump.
I think Peter Caldwell at Worldwide Auto in Madison, WI can rebuild your pump if you wish to send it out. Pete is the premier rebuilder of Armstrong shocks and would do the same fine job on your pump.
Have fun!
James Johanski

I have an original water pump that I don't trust to use. I know aftermarket pumps are available. I would consider rebuilding it if parts and info were available. Moss lists the pump at 49.95, lists the rebuild kit as unavailable and list a seal for 29.95.
Sounds like the only reason to build it is to be "concourse".
R J Brown

James, I agree with your philosophy! The flange is off and the shaft with bearing housing, seal and impeller is out of the main housing. As I see it, the impeller has to be pulled off or pressed off - I don't see how the bearing assembly comes off.
Art Pearse

Art,
On the type of pump you describe, the shaft and the bearing assembly is replaced as a unit, after pressing off the impellor. Check with Peter Caldwell to see if he has that part.
James Johanski

Thanks for this thread. I have a nice cast iron pump that I want to rebuild. The crappy pot metal (or whatever) one on the car suffered a broken generator mounting ear last year. The old one is made way stronger. I intend to press it apart and install a new seal. The bearing and impeller seem fine.
Cheers,
Gerry
G T Foster

This thread was discussed between 14/05/2009 and 15/05/2009

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