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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Water pump shortening

I wanted to get comments, suggestions, tips, etc for shortening a water pump. I have heard of people doing it in the past. In my install, this would solve 2 BIG issues I have going.

1. Swaybar routing. By chortneeing pump, I could switch to the rear belt groove on my crank pulley and then cut the pulley allowing the swaybar to mount as normal.

2. Cooling. By moving the crank and water pump back a good inch, I could install a BIG full rad width elect puller fan which would solve much if not all of my cooling problems.

My other option is to make a custom water pump pulley, which would not allow a big fan (maybe a small one), but would solve swaybar routing.

Larry
Larry Embrey

Larry:
The January-April, 2002 issue of the British V8 Newsletter - available on-line - has an article by Barry Robinson detailing the machining and shortening by 1" of the standard Buick "short" pump. Sounds like is is easily done.
Phil

Larry
The water pump on Cindy's 95 Cobra (5.0) looks pretty short. I think it may be reverse rotation though, but you might be able to transfer the impellers.

Bill bill_jacobson@hotmail.com
bill jacobson

Reverse rotation water pumps have cavities/passages/whatever peculiar to the reverse rotation. While a "normal" rotation impeller may fit, it won't be as efficient as it should.
Check out http://www.oemfordparts.com/ and look for M-8501-A50 under vehicle parts, Ford Racing. This is a SHORT SERPENTINE BELT WATER PUMP KIT that is 1 3/4 inches shorter than old style pumps.
Maybe it'll work.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Wayne,
Thanks for the part number. The problem is I have a OLD motor and non serpentine set-up. I have seen that pump before, and am still trying to decide what to do. One option is to convert to serpentine routing, but I don't want to uselessly make my motor more of a tangle.

Bill, that is an idea, get the new pump and swap out the impeller, i will have to see if I can get a worn out rev rotation pump to compare the porting etc..

Phil,
Thanks for the reminder, I have that copy, even printed out.. will take it to work, with all the machinists I would think we can get something worked out, probably only cost me some beer too!!
Larry Embrey

Larry look at water pump M-8501-E351S at the sight Wayne talked about. Steve
Steve Nightingale

Steve N, good one. I was so sure Ford didn't have a short water pump, I must have read right over it.

Wayne
Wayne Pearson

Larry
There is a pulley set that goes with that short water pump. May save you time and effort. M-8509-Q or M-8509-R (under pulleys).

Jim

PS What happened to your web site???
jmlema

Qwest screwed up routing emails to me, and forwarded them with a strange header from a addy I did not know, so I deleted it as spam. Turns out it was the reminders to renew my domain reg. It has lapsed, but I have contacted the company and gotten it straightened out, but might be down for the weekend... As such my email is also gone, so email me at : lamrith@hotmail.com if you want to talk off the boards..

I will check out those parts. Be nice to not have to convert to true serpentine, though I am thinking about it to solve the problems.. THANKS GUYS!
Larry Embrey

OK FOLKS,
Now I need to know if anyone can read the measurement on that website?? Is it 4 1/2, 4 1/4, 4 1/8???


My guy at work advised against shortenening my pump as if it ever failed on a trip I would be hosed. BUT now that I know there is a aftermarket pump available, I think I will shorten my pump to match that one. Then if it does fail I can order in the correct part number and be on my way!! Plus I don't have the $160 to drop on a new pump...

Larry Embrey

Larry, if no one can get a better read on that I will look at my catalog at home and let you know.
Steve Nightingale

Steve,
That would be cool. I called OEMFordParts and asked, she seemed to think it was 4 3/8", does not look like a 3/8" in that picture, so a second read from your book would be great.

Either way I think I will make my Milodon 3/8" and then use a 1/8" spacer under the pulley, that way the pulley is made for 1/2", that way if it fails and I order a new one to find it is 1.5" I just pull out the spacer and install the regular pulley..
Larry Embrey

Larry, it is 4 3/8 and its appx. 1 1/2" shorter. The serpentine set up gives you appx 1 3/4".If you have any more questions my email is mgb302@hotmail.com.

Steve
Steve Nightingale

Steve,
Thanks!! I am using a serpentine belt, but in a normal rotation set-up. Sounds wierd, but at the time it was the only pulley set I could get to line up. I will be shortening my high flow milodon to match the specs you gave me. Dropping another $160 for a new pump when mine runs great is just not my idea of fun! :-P Then if my Milodon dies I can just buy one of these other pumps!!

Is your car running yet?? I would LOVE for you to send me any pictures and info you have one it.. even in progress photos!!
Larry Embrey

This thread was discussed between 02/08/2002 and 07/08/2002

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