Been looking around the forum on water pump recommendations. Airtex is the most recommended by a wide margin, specifically the one with the brass impeller, which may no longer be manufactured. Looked up the Airtex 1694 (aka W0133-1610251) at various sites, which depicts a water pump with the brass impeller. I went ahead and ordered one and received it today, but to my dismay it is of one with a stamped steel impeller. Should I be concerned? I paid for the higher price expecting to receive a product with the brass impeller. And despite my seaching at the time of purchase, I appear to have paid $30 more than I should have for this model of pump ($144 vs. $110 I seem to now find, oy.)

 

I'd return it if you didn't get what you ordered.

 

That I will be doing. Not getting the exact product that I had expected for the price is enough to warrant a return. The factory seal had been cut, too. So, it also puts into question what I received.

 

You don't really need the brass impeller. I just replaced with whatever was cheapest. Turned out to be from Lucky 8.

There's nothing wrong with the stamped steel impeller as long as you keep your coolant maintained.

 

It won't make any noticeable difference. The only waterpump to avoid is the one with the plastic impeller.

 

I went with a mid priced pump a couple years ago.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1440627&jsn=1

Non brass Airtex you may have received.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...440627&jsn=617

RA prices usually low but charges for shipping. I try to stock up on replacement lamps, fuses, small items other misc. parts when ordering from them.
......

 

Thank you all for the responses, and I apologize for the late reply. I think I will have the part returned, namely because it was received with the factory seal having been compromised. Seems that having the brass impeller is not too important, I suppose? Though, for the money I paid I had expected it.

 

What is more important is the bearing or bearings and seals on the water pump you buy.
How long will the bearings last?
How good are the seals?
How good a job did they do to lube the bearings as these are hermetically sealed.
How nice is the casting and do the holes line up perfectly with your engine?