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Trouble refitting pulley to new water pump

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Lewpok

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I am replacing the water pump on my 73 midget, 1275. What is the best way to get the fan pulley back on the pump shaft? During pump removal, it came off easily with a gear puller. It will not tap back on.
Do I have to pull it on with the bolts one flat at a time so it goes on evenly?
 
I did my water pump on a '69 Sprite with a 1275 two years ago. Like yours, mine came off easily, but I don't recall having any issues putting them back on. Have you tried greasing the pump shaft? I actually use a bicycle grease for metal-to-metal applications: Finish Line Teflon. Helps protect the metal, too. Otherwise, it sounds like you're on the right track. One flat at a time seems a bit extreme. A half turn or a full turn of the bolt should get you the same even result.

Is it possible that this particular pump might not be the right part? Again, I just don't recall this being a problem. Hopefully, some others will chime in.
 
The pulley is not a press fit and should slip on and off easily unless there is too much paint on it or it's rusty. Maybe your pulley is not original or correct. Please post a picture.
 
I don't remember having this problem when I replaced the pump 30 years ago, when I was out of town. I definitely remember that. I am fairly sure the pulley is original, I bought the car with less than 50k miles on it. There is no rust, 2 pics are attached.
 

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part number is correct, see pic. I can only measure with a ruler and the diam appears to be about the same as the pump I removed, +0.5 mm. My local British garage suggested gently sanding the flange
 

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Things look correct, but I also see you bought an Indian made pump. That would explain things. I always use GMB water pumps.

Lewpok said:
part number is correct, see pic. I can only measure with a ruler and the diam appears to be about the same as the pump I removed, +0.5 mm. My local British garage suggested gently sanding the flange
Click to expand...
 
Looks like you need to clean the center, looks a little rough. Sand it down until clean, lightly oil and try again.
 
Thanks for the tip Larry. Cleaning the center hole on the pulley allowed it to go on just enough so i could get bolts started. I replaced the bypass hose, but it leaked while refilling the radiator. I had left it just tiny bit short on the top, which was hard to see. It was difficult to re-adjust, with the fan and radiator on. Leak seemed to stop with the clamp at the very end of the hose. I will reattach alternator after lunch and go for a test spin.
Gerald, who sells the GMB parts?
 
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