How well should the water pump free spin?

[MGNoir]

I've got my water pump off my '74 Midget right now, and I'm noting how well it goes if I just give the front piece a spin. It's not bad, doesn't make any noise, but it's not like it keeps spinning for a few seconds either like some nice bearing'ed device.

Thoughts?

 

[Trevor Jessie]

the seal puts drag on the shaft.

 

[Jim_Gruber]

I was playing with the pump on Bugsy II last night. After sitting for last 33 years pump was very easy to turn. Didn't have any resistance to speak of. In fact put a wrench of the crankshaft nut and gave it a couple of turns to discover engine turned over easy and the most noise came fro dizzy going round. Bugsy II came with a good 948 and receipts say a rebuilt tranny that never has been run. Going to be available as I have a 1275 and a 5 speed to go in.

 

[dklawson]

+1 for more-or-less free with drag from the seals. I would not expect it to continue spinning without a fan attached to act as a flywheel. While it is off, examine it for evidence of leakage from the weep hole.

 

[MGNoir]

Thanks all. From what you are saying, I think mine is fine.