JanZverina Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 Does anyone know if the water pump for a 1960 401 Nailhead was originally made of cast aluminum?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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoelsBuicks Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 I can't answer your question but a recent pump replacement on my '60 401 was cast aluminum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest brh Posted May 9, 2008 Share Posted May 9, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Howard Purvis Posted May 10, 2008 Share Posted May 10, 2008 Jan, Both OEM pumps as well as NOS replacements were aluminum.Howard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanZverina Posted May 12, 2008 Author Share Posted May 12, 2008 Interesting. The only one I can currently source is one in cast iron. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 70 Electra Posted June 3, 2008 Share Posted June 3, 2008 <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, and2)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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanZverina Posted June 3, 2008 Author Share Posted June 3, 2008 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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