I ordered the pump from Rock Auto and my pump has the black impellers. So what is this the old style that was known to fail? Also, with the Airtex pump did you guys use the rubber o-ring like the factory or just used the paper gasket that came with the pump? It seems the the Airtex is 59mm round and the factory pump 55mm round that goes in the engine block. Need feedback asap so I can get this car back on the road.

 

I have a new airtex pump, also. The black impeller is not likely to be the same as the early ones that failed. The color is due to carbon black, not the plastic itself. This design does not use a o-ring, just use sealer on the paper gasket when installing.

 

Just use the gasket and sealer. The old metal gasket o-ring design was prone to failure. The airtex pump can absolutely fail for the same reason as the original design, it only happens to the airtex pump when you drive with a stuck closed thermostat. Food for thought.