Info needed: Ford V8 water pump rebuild kits

[Tom Millward]

I spoke to Belcher Engineering in the UK today, and unfortunately the repair kits have been on back order for over a year, so no chance of getting a kit anytime soon. They said that they can rebuild the pumps by adapting Jeep rebuild kits, or by adapting one of the newer design of pumps. The latter is likely to be over £100 per pump.

Has anyone had previous experience using Jeep rebuild kits?

[rob love]

At work we made the mistake of sending a pair of carrier pumps in for rebuild without asking for an estimate. They came back at over $700 for the pair. £100 each does not seem that bad.

[Lynn Eades]

I believe the original seals with the rubber, carbon disc and spring were the same as a Jeep. The Jeep water pump bearing is somewhat larger than the V8 bearing. The part numbers of the two bearings would help. Anyone?

[ozm29c]

I have used these bearings (see attached PDF) for Jeeps, Amphib Jeeps and my weasel. The part number is FSP61 and they can be machined to size. In the case of both Jeeps and my weasel, I have bored the water pump housing out to accept a 316 Stainless Steel Collar for the carbon seal.

[Mike K]

That's a neat mod with the SS collar. Beware of the poor quality universal water pump bearings being sold by various vendors, they only last a short time.

[Petr Brezina]

Tom, I have also bought new pair of pumps for my carrier instead of rebuilding the old ones. Much better and easier solution in my opinion.
But Im running single belt/pulleys on it though.

[Mike Gurr]

Hi Tom,
I went through the same issues with my pumps. I am currently running with new single pulley pumps. However having heard of the Jeep pump idea I bought a pair of rebuild kits which are currently with my old pumps at a specialist who will be trying to make the conversion. I will update you when / if I get them back.