'93 940 / Water pump install: Is the problem me or the pump?

[e777]

I have installed several water pumps on B230f motors over the years and never had a problem. I have always used HEPU pumps.

For convenience, I decided to go with an Autozone pump. I am now on day 3 of trying to get it seated properly. I cannot get that top bolt in even when applying great upward pressure, as one normally does when installing these. I checked all the threads with the pump off, and no problems there.

So, I am wondering, has anyone else had issues installing Autozone pumps on this motor?

I would normally be quick to blame myself in this situation. However, I have had to deal with various auto parts purchased in the post-pandemic era whose quality was shoddy, sometimes to the point of being unusable.

Thanks!

[e777]

I am now able to answer my own post.

I pulled off the Autozone pump and refit the HEPU without any problem. Then tried to refit the Autozone pump again and no dice.

I then took various measurements on the pumps themselves and found that the spacing on that top bolt hole on the Autozone pump is some millimeters off center, relative to the original.

It could very well be that the AZ pump is normally OK and that I happened to buy a dud...machined at the factory on a Friday afternoon, lol.

In any case, I am sticking with HEPU from now on.