I'm currently in the midst of installing a new water pump on my '79 Aspen 225-2V and to my surprise, the "new" water pump impeller has the vanes on the opposite sides of the fingers.

Did some engines have the pump rotate in the reverse direction ?

Will this really matter if I install the new pump ?

Interesting. I don't think it will matter since this is just a plain centrifugal "flinger" type impeller. Guessing this is one of the 8-blade impellers being found lately on pumps coming in from Malaysia and nearby countries highly reputable for producing top-quality auto parts…?

(No, the block-mounted water pumps all spin the same direction)

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

I noticed that too when I replaced mine. I am still trying to figure out an overheating problem on mine.

Tell us if you had an overheating problem before the pump install or if you did not and now you do have an overheating issue.