[ QUOTE ]
Run it dry on the workbench?
[/ QUOTE ]
No, not necessarily. You need to check with the vendor. Ask them which type seal is used in the pump and if this procedure should be used or not. I'm guessing not.
Many modern replacement pumps are built with a modern seal that *do not* require "dry run" to seat the seal. The original pumps, rebuilds and replacements back in the 50s, 60s and 70s used a different type of seal (ceramic) that required a "dry run" to seat it properly. Various service manuals outline this procedure. But it's commonly not correct or necessary for modern pumps that use modern seals.
The "dry run" can be performed on the bench with an electric drill, as described, or on the car. The latter is what's described in most manuals I've seen... simply not re-fill the coolant and start the engine briefly so that the new pump runs dry for about 60 seconds. Then top up the coolant and you are done.
Problem was that many installers were unaware of and skipped this step, topping up the coolant before doing a "dry run". Often the original style seal would never seat properly when run in coolant right from the beginning and would always weep a little, which probably shortened the useful life of the bearings and the pump.
So, most modern repro pumps or rebuilds use modern seals and no "dry run" is needed. You really should ask your vendor for details specific to the pump they provide and not rely on what we suggest here or directions in any service manual. (Ideally, vendors would include proper instructions with their pumps, but many don't!)
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cheers.gif