which water pumps for small block Fords?

toy264 · Dec 31, 2011

Can someone explain the difference between the stock Ford water pumps, the terminology they use, i.e "shortie" etc., which pumps work with which blocks, and the rpm that the impellers begin cavitation? I had thought that the Ford 289/302 engines used the same water pump until I got mine out last night and took a close look at them. Big differences!
I have two different water pumps and timing chain covers that are Ford parts, and a combination water pump/alternator from Racemate. One Ford pump has the stamped impeller which is flush with the back of the pump casting and has a plate which goes between the pump and the timing chain cover. The second Ford pump is an aluminum part with a cast impeller that extends 1/2 inch or so past the back plane of the casting and into the timing chain cover. That cover is a different design from the first, is recessed to allow for the extended impeller and doesn't require a plate. The pump that the Racemate uses has a completely different mounting bolt pattern than the other two and isn't going to work on my 289 motor. Although advertized as for a small block Ford, I suspect it's for a later model 302 or perhaps a 351. Could have saved some money if I had known.
Thanks
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Did460 · Dec 31, 2011

For sure: "fan belt" water pump is different than "serpentine belt" water pump. (they turn different directions!)

Maybe: a short nose pump for expolorers?

Maybe: different timing cover/pump setups for fuel injection motors (electric fuel pump) and carb motors (mechanical fuel pump).

Good luck.

mike huddart · Dec 31, 2011

John,
your alloy pump with the extended impeller and no back plate must go with the recessed timing cover. This combination was only available on 221, 260 and 289 up to '67 allthough two differant pumps were offered these are the shortest combination available and need appropriate pullies all with the three bolt fixing for the damper.The very early covers had the oil fill tube cast into the top and then laterly the boss was kept but blanked off.
After that the pumps had the back plate and flat cover and got progressivly longer. All covers will interchange between any small block except the Cleveland range. If you need a replacement cover now, all you can get are the later ones for the back plate pumps, the earliest style being '68 - '83, this is the one that most people use for period looking engine build ups.
Mike

which water pumps for small block Fords?

John Fitzpatrick

David in Durango

Mike Huddart

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