A long-time contributor here always recommended the . As I’ve been poking around I see . I haven’t been able to find any info about whether or not there are other differences, most importantly the bearing and seal(s). I expect there are because I can’t see the brass impeller alone nearly doubling the price. Does anyone here have any insights to offer?

 

I'm not sure that Airtex offers the brass impeller option any longer (not positive though so don't hate).

I just replaced my water pump last week and looked at the one you linked to on Amazon and then chose the OEM one that Atlantic British sells for twice the price thinking I only wanted to replace it once. My A/B package shows up and it's Airtex. Called them to confirm this (their web page calls it OEM and higher quality but doesn't say it's Airtex) and it is indeed the high quality Airtex model.

I needed it then so I didn't send it back and order from Amazon. But here's the kicker, the impeller isn't brass like I've seen so many online pics of. It appeared to be steel of some sort and turned nice and smooth. I'm thinking it's the quality bearings that we are looking for. All in all I'm happy with it. Easiest installation I've done yet on my Rover and it works like it should.

Go with the one from Amazon, you will save $$ and get a quality part.

 

I hope this is wrong, but I just spoke with ASC ( they make Airtex ) and the bronze impeller #1694 (STC4378G) Made in Spain is now NLA. Their reason; Decreased demand for the #1694 and the increase in manufacturing cost (from the impeller, frame casting, to the bearings) killed it. The majority of the steel impeller pumps (WP-9367) are Made in China (explains the lower price) & they are being offered as the OE replacement from Airtex. Could they be good quality??? IMHO...Just NOT a fan of Chinese Water Pumps!

Too bad because I've always had good luck with these (1694) pumps. Unfortunately that's all the info I got, but I guess if you want the #1694 pump start looking for NOS.

 

Looks like I got mine just in time....

 

BONUS, I just checked in my basement and found 2 brand new pumps... Got to Love It! I just can't even imagine what other parts are down there. LESSON: Organize My Crap!!!

 

I got the air tex water pump from island rovers 4x4 .... the same pump on AB's website for 1/2 the the price.

The truck is running 20 degrees hotter. The wheel radius and scoopers are smaller than the water pump I just replaced. I thought this was odd but installed it anyways. 20 degrees hotter. No joke. This pump is crap. Why would anyone sell this ?

 

i have the Airtex in one 2004 and the AB pump in another 2004. both trucks run well within the 188 F range.

i think you have another issue somewhere else or a defective water pump. what were your temps previously and what are they now?

 

-Previous 186-188 highest 197. Now 206-208 highest 212.

 

I’ve yet to see a LR waterpump fail with say a slipping impeller. I’ve seen bearings wear & cause the impeller to eat into the aluminum housing, but if the engine is spinning the pulley is spinning, and so is the internal impeller.

99% of the time on a D2/P38 Bosch engine cooling issues = Air in the system. In stock form there are several places air can seep back into the system. TBH is #1, loose vent line at the reservoir, and even a faulty reservoir cap.

 

i second the "air in the system."

try bleeding everything again.