Machinist Restores Water Pumps

Machinist Restores Water Pumps If you can’t replace your water pump at a parts store, Mark Smith can likely restore it. If parts are worn or missing, he’ll make them. “I couldn’t do half the jobs I do without my machinist training,” says Smith. “I can look at the pump and see what’s needed to make an old pump like new. If a brass collar, impeller or shaft are needed, I’ll make them, even the brass packing nuts.” Smith has done water pumps for every kind of engine. That includes a 1934 Massey-Harris GP, a 1940s Kaiser-Frazer car, and multiple pumps for the Cummins V12. “A small town used the Cummins V12 for a backup generator,” says Smith. “Others use it for side thrusters on ships.” He got into the business while working on the engine of his 6-cyl. Jeep. A man who had been restoring water pumps closed his shop. “He said he couldn’t compete with the parts stores,” says Smith. “I decided to do the ones parts suppliers won’t do.” Smith suggests prospective customers call him. “I’m always curious what it came from,” says Smith. “I can provide an estimate, but most people simply tell me to fix it. My prices start at $130, plus return shipping.” Smith hasn’t heard of many people doing what he does. “I’ll get calls from people, and they say, ‘Thank God you’re doing this work.’” Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, Mark Smith, Phoenix, Ariz. (ph 623-205-4482; markzsmith56@gmail.com).

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