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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - Water pump rebuild nearing completion

Thanks to Bob Schapel in AU, it looks like we finally have a source for a modern seal for our water pumps. Mine arrived this week and it fits perfectly. Using 2 new modern sealed bearings, and with other parts (circlips etc) still available from Abingdon Spares, I think rebuilding a TD/TF water pump is now a feasible project for the DIYers here - and it requires no drilling, reaming, boring or other machining, everything is just a simple press fit.

When the seal arrived, I disassembled my water pump again and determined that the seal was a perfect fit. Bob advises using silicone sealent when bedding the seal in place, and a little vegetable oil on the seal lip where it will press against the impeller flange face.
I put the shaft with the impeller in place on my lathe and used sandpaper to get a mirror finish on the flange where it meats the seal, but you could do this with a glass plate and elbow grease just as easily.
Beyond that, I just had to determine whether the spacing with the new bearings was good, and using just one of the original "dust cover" washers everything seems to line up nicely.
I still have to install new replacement 37mm circlips, but Abingdon Spares still lists replacement ones, and if not modern ones are certainly available...
I will update this thread when I get it complete and installed and we see how it all works together.
I'm also considering buying and installing a 6 vane impeller and seeing how that works. These are also available on ebay so it seems like the average DIYer can upgrade this themselves if they are willing to drill out the impeller.
More to come later...
Geoffrey M Baker

For those interested in the seal, here is Bob's email: Bob Schapel <bobschapel@optusnet.com.au>
Geoffrey M Baker

Hi Guys,

I am very busy for a few days but I will start a new thread next week, offering to send seals (and bearings too?) to those who want them. I might offer them on Ebay too.

John Walton, from Sydney, must take the credit for finding the seal which fits perfectly. Curiously, it has a different part number from the same seal here in South Australia. No doubt it is different overseas too. I have found other options but I think John's is the best. John, if you are reading this and would like to offer the abovementioned "seal sending service", please email me. (Either before or after I post the new thread.) bobschapel@optusnet.com.au

Yours oTCagonally,

Bob Schapel

R L Schapel

Geoff when you do update can you include some pics of the process. I enjoyed your recent radiator sojourn. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Hi Bob,
I have emailed you directly.
John
John Walton

Hi Folks

I just read this thread
two years ago I took over a parts collection from an old man incl. a lot of original water pump seals, still in oil paper. so when anybody is interested... just send me an email
to michael@trykowski.de
MT Trykowski

This thread was discussed between 15/04/2015 and 21/04/2015

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