Water Pump Question

[tellis32]

Hello

So I'm driving my '73 240z automatic when it starts blowing coolant out of the radiator cap overflow. When I get her home, I see that coolant is leaking from the water pump. I figure this is a good time to replace the pump, thermostat, hoses, etc. When I pull the pump, I'm shocked to see the remains of a spring wrapped around the impellers. Then I notice there's more spring in inlet hole going through to the inlet hose. Loose in the hose mind you. My question is: what's the spring? Do I need to replace it? What's the thing for? I mean, it looks inevitable that the spring would eventually tapeworm its way down into the pump - which is apparently what happened. Pics below...

Thanks in advance for any insight here!

[george71z]

Many hoses have springs like that inside to prevent the hose from collapsing. Since you planned to replace the hoses, etc., just make sure there are no remnants of the old springs anywhere else, and you should be fine.

[doradox]

That spring keeps the hose from kinking/collapsing. I'm not sure but I would think the correct molded lower hose wouldn't need a spring.

Steve

[sblake01]

You're actually lucky. I had the same thing happen on a Datsun I once owned but the spring got behind the impeller and punched holes in the back of the timing cover.

[tellis32]

Thanks for the info fellas - I'm wondering if this was a Nissan stock

hose or replaced by a prior owner. sblake01 - wow - I'm sorry to hear

about the extent of the damage you describe. I'll have to closely inspect

my timing cover tomorrow. Thanks again!