I regaled the Forum with this story 3 years ago. Condensed version:
Installed new pump when I put a new timing cover seal in before annual long road trip in summer of '14. This pump was rebuilt by an expert in Canada; unfortunately, he was provided a defective seal and, after 2,000 miles the seal's rubber bellows split in Green River, WY. We got a motel room, and had Moss overnight a new pump and gasket. When I was installing the new pump, I noticed it had more end play than I liked but, what choice did I have? Installed it, but when I fired the engine the shaft separated, sending the fan into the radiator. Had Moss overnight another pump and a new radiator; no place to get mine repaired in Green River. When I ordered the second pump, I told the sales rep 'Have your warehouse people check the pump for end play before they ship it!' Well, the second pump arrived with a broken shaft! Had no choice but to trailer the car home from WY to San Jose, CA. Sent the original pump back to Canada, and he rebuilt the pump again, no charge. So far, over 10K miles on it with no problem. Except for a flat when I didn't have a spare, that was the only time my car stranded me in 130K miles.
Both pumps were County brand. Moss did make me half whole; all parts prices and shipping were refunded by Moss--'store refund,' but I used it to get a new Pilkington windshield--and they covered half of the trailer rental. Moss acknowledged major quality problems with County parts, which started after the original owner of the company 'dropped dead from a heart attack.'
View attachment 49669