universal UJ-61 water pump

[Dromo]

Hello Again
I ran across this Atomic 4 water pump and thought some of you might be interested and/or be able to shed some light on its history.
I didn't know Universal made their water pump.
The pump does not have a changeable rubber impeller, but unlike the Oberdorfer water pump, which has seals, this one uses flax shaft packing instead. The same principle as your stuffing box.
I'm thinking this pump is fairly old, perhaps from the early A4s ,
The UJ-61 part # and UF "universal foundries" are stamped in the casting
Cheers Rick

[hanleyclifford]

You have found a treasure indeed if it works - the earliest A4 pump that I am aware of. I hope you will use it to pump antifreeze.

[67c&ccorv]

Gear type pumps are the best for strong water flow - looks a lot like a Norton oil pump!

It's a keeper.

[thatch]

Historic Info

Dromo,
In an article written in 1976 which can be found with a Google search of "atomic 4 gordon groene" and then "maintaining an atomic 4" you will find Mr. Groene discussing the pros and cons of this pump along with many other aspects of our engines. I highly recommend downloading this valuable source of information.
Tom

[Dromo]

good info

Thanks Tom, Great article.
My boat is in lake Ontario near the Welland canal so the water is deep and clear here , so I don't think I'd have to worry about sand wear on the bronze gears. The only concern I have Is, would the Fax packing need a small drip of water to keep the shaft cool. I wonder when universal stopped making these pumps and what era they,re from.
I can't find anything on part # UJ-61 in the universal part list, ie block UJ-1, head UJ-2, Pan UJ-4, connecting rod UJ-10, etc.
Thanks Rick

[thatch]

Re: first series

DRomo,
According to my "Universal parts manual" printed in 1979, Universal still had parts available for this pump but, based on the number of other brands of "impeller" types of pumps, (5) they had all but phased this pump out. By 1979 they had changed the seal to to a lip type of seal but still listed the flax and packing nut as available. Since, according to Mr. Groene, these pumps need considerably more lube attention than our modern day pumps it might be best to just polish this jem up and reserve it for "dock talk" time or keep it handy as an emergency, emergency spare pump.
Tom