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Just from my memory, I'd say that's where all the bias toward cast impellers and against stamped impellers came from. It was automatic for us to assume some cheap-looking stamped metal we found in the imitation replacements was inferior to the OE pump being replaced, and then -- sometime in the last 10 years -- Volvo threw us a curve, sending Wasserpumpen with those same stamped impellers in $100 Blue Boxes.
Impeller disconnect, or even erosion, used to be a problem in my early domestic car experience, but I've never seen that in the Volvos. Mostly I've replaced pumps because their sealing surfaces have corroded beyond their ability to retain the coolant, although I have seen one with a loose bearing, ostensibly from wearing its belts too tight. Lucky for me, most of my 240s are second or third owner purchases with lots of take-it-in-to-the-dealer maintenance before getting the Midas and Jiffy-Lube treatment.
On the FCP situation, I agree. I am impressed they have been able to maintain some semblance of customer service through their expansion and pioneering move into an on-line business. But an era of parts expertise behind a counter seems to have ended. Now we are the aftermarket parts "experts" and the global manufacturers may well take advantage.
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Art Benstein near Baltimore
Tuesdays and Wednesdays are Senior Citizen Discount Days at the Waterville Food King.
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