1960 Electra 401 Water Pump - Aluminum vs. Steel??

[JanZverina]

Does anyone know if the water pump for a 1960 401 Nailhead was originally made of cast aluminum? The one I just removed is aluminum, but the replacement is cast steel and a lot heavier. Thanks!

[JoelsBuicks]

I can't answer your question but a recent pump replacement on my '60 401 was cast aluminum.

[Guest brh]

Can't answer this one either, I have changed some water pumps, only one that was cast iron was for a 1934 Olds. Other than that never seen any iron ones. 60s, 70s or 80s engines.

[Guest Howard Purvis]

Jan,

Both OEM pumps as well as NOS replacements were aluminum.

Howard

[JanZverina]

Interesting. The only one I can currently source is one in cast iron.

[Guest 70 Electra]

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Howard Purvis</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Jan,

Both OEM pumps as well as NOS replacements were aluminum.

Howard </div></div>

Howard is correct. The factory and GM-replacement pumps had die-cast aluminum bodies. Cast iron (sand-cast)pumps for this application are aftermarket parts are are made this way because of cost:

1)The iron is cheaper material than aluminum, and

2)Sandcast is much cheaper tooling than diecast (important for low-volume aftermarket part)

Note that these are the same reasons that many aftermarket water outlets for Buicks are (sand-cast) iron, instead of diecast aluminum like the OE part.

[JanZverina]

Thanks for your response. Your answer makes perfect sense. I will hold on to my aluminum one since the core charge was only $10. Never know when I might need another one.