Omix-Ada water pump pulleys

[wesk]

I found this comment on our sister Yahoo site.

From "L134 Ted" <roett@aanet.com.au>
To <M38-M38A1-M606@yahoogroups.com>
Date Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:21 -0000
Reply To <M38-M38A1-M606@yahoogroups.com>



I do not have a M38 Jeep but do play with L134 and F134 Willys engines most days. When I spotted a photo of a M38 engine with its twin V belt crankshaft and water pump pulleys it seemed logical to look for these parts as a 'Willys factory' way of creating the twin narrow V belt pulley drive I need for a L134 engine project.

I ordered a billet steel crankshaft pulley from Midwestmilitary and then got a new Omix-ADA M38 water pump. When both items finally arrived in Australia I was disappointed to find that the centre to centre distance between the V belt grooves were different. The water pump measured 1/2" and the crankshaft pulley measured 11/16" so I had either wasted my money and time on a water pump or on the crankshaft pulley.

After checking with a few sources and comparing what I had to an original M38 engine it was obvious that the water pump pulley was made to an incorrect drawing. I wrote to Omix-ADA Tech Support and got the reply back that "This is the absolute first time I have heard anything about this, but to be honest I do not deal with the M38 parts much. I will ask around the office and see what I can find out."

Midwestmilitary and others told me that the water pump pulley problem was well known and the reason they didn't sell that brand M38 pump.

I asked if the company had corrected the problem and would supply a replacement (correctly made) pulley. A week later I got a reply acknowledging the problem but with no mention of a replacement dual V pulley. I copy the Omix-ADA reply in full below as it may help another M38 enthusiast who has a dud Omix-ADA water pump sitting under the bench or on an engine turning V belts inside out.
Best Willys Regards
Ted Robinette

Ted,
As a company policy we do not send out the technical drawings. To get more to the heart of the issue, I have found that a limited amount of our stock does have the ½" center to center of the double V's that you are referring to. We are working with our manufacturing partners to have this corrected and have removed the pieces with the ½" measurement from stock. It is possible that some of our stocking dealers still have some on their shelf, and we are working to get this inventory back as well. I thank you for bringing this issue to our attention so we can correct anything that need to be corrected. Another observation, we sell a great deal of these water pumps and have no significant return history. It is my belief that this product was correct (from our previous orders) and was changed (currently investigating why any change was made) on our most recent shipment.
Thank you
Omix-ADA Tech Support

[wilfreeman]

Thanks for post Wes! I think that if Omix wants to keep their name known in the US, they had better start making quality reproductions! I'll rephrase - I think the quality is there, just not accurate enough to use - nothing they make fits! I have been through so many of their parts on this restoration that I refuse to use them anymore!

[RICKG]

I documented my identical water pump belt offset on an earlier post.
At this time i'm experiencing a belt squeal and suspect the incorrect
dbl-v water pump pulley. Thx, Wes for posting Omix-Ada's response
(or lack there-of) to customers.

[jimbob]

I have also had problems with Omix parts etc Crankshaft pulley, water pump, and transfer output flange just to name a few or the parts I have had trouble with.

Jim
M38 Jeep

[wilfreeman]

All body parts that I tried didn't fit or just didn't look original.

[G740]

If you want parts that fit, call me. Why do you think I manufacture so many things? I as a dealer am sick of trying to supply parts that I have to stand behind only to get them back. I have crankshaft pulleys made from the original print. Water pump pulleys that we recondition and guarantee. I will grant you that I am not the cheapest on the market, but my parts fit and work the way they should. Food for thought.
John
Midwest Military, Inc

[wilfreeman]

True - I've learned my lesson - pay a little more and have a first time fit!