Alpha one impeller housing (Sierra)

[Benny67]

Hello there,

I am replacing my water pump in my Alpha one drive and was wondering if anybody has used a Sierra aftermarket pump and notced the same thing I am seeing.

I noticed that the slinger washer appears to fit inside (not on top) the upper housing. I could be wrong in thinking this but wouldn't the washer spin inside this cup and just basically wear itself down to nothing in a matter of hours?

In all the other pumps I have seen the slinger washer rides on top of the housing. If I did that with this pump it would have a large gap between the pump and the top of the housing.

I am posting some photos to hopefully shed a better light on what I am attempting to explain here.


I am having issues loading my pics because of file size so I posted this photo of the kit I purchased. If you look at the top of the housing (the top left piece) you will notice it has a raised plastic edge that allows the slinger washer to fit perfectly inside. Am I suppose to put it inside there or let it ride on top of the housing like the old one?

 

[Bt Doctur]

nowhere in the manual does it say to put the slinger washer inside the housing. It goes on the top of the housing.

 

[Benny67]

It's an aftermarket and did not come with any instructions.

 

[wrench 3]

I've always put them on top and they appear to seal OK. I'm not sure what the idea of the extra cavity is tho.

 

[Bt Doctur]

My point is your trying to repair something without a manual . Simply removing and replacing parts in the same order does not help if someone mis-assembled it in the past. No impeller kit I have ever installed came with directions. More damage has been done to these things by people who thought they knew what they were doing.without consulting a manual . There are many sites that have a video of any type of repair today. You just have to google it.
When you install the impeller , with the housing in your right hand, the impeller is installed in a counterclockwise fashion. some grease to hold the keyway, slide the housing down and tighten to spec. a dab of grease into the rubber bushing where the guide tube goes and install the guide tube.
Assemble both halves making sure the shift shaft and shift shoe mate properly.

 

[achris]

It's an aftermarket ....

Which is why I prefer OEM. They may be a little more expensive to buy initial, but in the long-term, much cheaper....

... There are many sites that have a video of any type of repair today. You just have to google it.

Or look up in DonS stickies and find my videos....

 

[Benny67]

BT,

I asked a simple question, I asked if anybody has seen this. What makes you think I am not using a manual and also what makes you think I do not know what I am doing? Don't jump to conclusions... I asked a question about an AFTER MARKET part that was NOT LIKE THE OEM....

I have a clue...and it's a simple question so either ignore me or keep your opinion to yourself.

 

[Benny67]

Maybe I need to explain this better....

The old housing looks just like the one in the service manual.I purchased the Sierra pump kit cause it was a good price and nobody on this forum flamed Sierra as far as replacement parts go.

This Sierra upper housing allows the slinger washer to fit PERFECTLY inside it and APPEARS to be manufactured that way (allowing the washer to fit inside instead of riding on top...LIKE ALL OTHERS)

I installed it like it appears it should be installed and it looks like it is supposed to go the way I am explaining.

My question is, I believe this is incorrect and wanted to see if anybody else has come accross the same issue that I have.

For the record, I HAVE a manual...and I have a 29 year background in electro mechanics,mostly Industrial Electronics....I actually write assembly manuals as part of my job so I understand the importance...it pays my bills as a matter of fact.

Sorry to be blunt but I am just asking a simple question and not looking to be judged.

So, has anybody come across this issue?

 

[Bt Doctur]

"I noticed that the slinger washer appears to fit inside (not on top) the upper housing. I could be wrong in thinking"
Your thinking about it and not reading about it. Merc housings look exactly the same way.
I believe the gap is there to allow the plastic to melt in that area instead of forcing the SS cup from the housing on a severe overheat. I have seen a few that the plastic actually pushed the slinger upward of the top of the housing.

 

[Benny67]

It's a perfect fit...looks like it's suppose to go there. I would be a fool not to question it with others that may have purchased the same kit.

 

[Benny67]

I was able to downsize one of the photos. Have a look for yourself. The slinger is inside the housing and installed.Looks like it belongs there.

 

[wrench 3]

The thing that bothers me with putting the slinger inside the housing is that it "is a slinger". If it's in there it has no place to throw things too.

 

[Benny67]

My big issue with this is friction...

 

[wrench 3]

My big issue with this is friction...

If your worried about it, don't try and second guess it. Just go by the book.

 

[Benny67]

I did make the decision NOT to put it inside but on top. I might even just buy a OEM housing. I hate second guessing stuff. It is only $50 we are talking about here.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Wise choice 50 part engine...drive well you be the judge.

 

[crazy charlie]

That may actually be a better design as far as a water tight seal.I was always curious if the pump would be as efficient if the rubber happened to wear slightly since it was constantly turning or if it slipped up the shaft the slightest bit.I am certain I have used Sierra and don't recall this issue.Are you 100% certain that it is the correct housing for your drive?Charlie

 

[Benny67]

look at my photo back on page 1 of this thread...looks like it's suppose to go together like that....

 

[Benny67]

and it fit's like it's suppose to fit inside instead of on top

 

[crazy charlie]

Im sorry but maybe I am missing something.The washer that is pushed onto the shaft and down to the top of the pump housing is on the bottom right of your parts, laid out inside a gasket..Correct??