I had the engine machined some 12 months ago and my son has recently assembled the motor.
I fitted the motor to a engine test bench that I made 12 months ago and my intention is to test run the motor to make sure that everything is right before I pull a working engine out of my car. Just in case there is some problems.
Well I didn't have to wait long as when I started to fit the belt pulleys to the water pump, 1st problem.
It appears the the water pump that I have purchased (yes it is a aftermarket one, and yes I was told it would fit a 63 Thunderbird) has the webs in the casting to hold the nose of the water pump are larger than the pump that was on the motor when I purchased it.
The water pump that was on the motor has a casting mark of C4SE-8505-A and the engine has air conditioning, twin alternator belts and power steering. Everything seemed to be OK when I received the motor however it wasn't running. I take it that is was correct however.
With the aftermarket pump it has more webs on the pump than the original. These are on the nose of the water pump and they are thicker and larger.
As you see in the photos the pulley rubs on the webs.
The amount of interference is very minimal, only about 1/64" however this is enough. If you were to tighten the four bolts down it could cause damage to the pulleys or the pump.
Now this replacement water pump may fit a engine which does not have air conditioning, as the alternator doesn't need two belts and the pulley may be not as wide which will allow it to fit.
What I am trying to say is if you need to replace your water pump, try the pulleys on the pump before you fit the pump to the car. If the pulleys hit the water pump it will be a lot easier to fix the problem with the pump of the car.
Karl.
