In a message dated 95-11-16 17:59:21 EST, you write:

>So, fellow vanagoneers, what's been your experience with the various
>brands of (new/rebuilt) water pumps?  Any suggestions for brands to look
>for - or look *out* for? 

This may or may not help. I bought a rebuilt pump for my '87 from a local
import auto parts store over a year ago. The problem is, I don't know what
brand it was--they handled a lot of Beck-Arnley stuff, but I'm not sure
that's what I bought or whether Beck-Arnley is a brand or just a reseller.

Here's what I do know. The store gave me a choice between a cheaper part and
a better part for about a $15 diff. He recommended the more expensive one as
being a better casting and more like original. I bought it and found it to be
similar in casting quality to the original pump---price was $85. It wasn't
VW, but it was real close. It's been on my motor for 25k miles--of course,
the original lasted for nearly 102K, so it'll be a long time before I know if
this one is as good!

The part number was 025-121-010C  -- maybe that would help determine a brand?
The store went out of business, but it looks like they may have recently
opened up. If you want me to check further here, email me directly.

Good luck!
Dan
'87 Syncro