BX23 water pump questions

[tshep]

So, situation is BX/54 mower runs right up at orange with tall grass.
Recent work shows clear radiator (in and out), minimal internal rust, etc.
I believe I would NOT trust the water pump next.
I got tractor only a few years old.
Is it likely the original pump was a cast or formed (SS?) impeller?
Long term - should I seek OE or other water pump, formed or cast?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

I've said it before, you really need to put the tractor letter designation on after the number
because there is a BX23D and a BX23S completely different tractors.
You have a BX23D

OEM aluminum and ss impeller
Coleman:
Water Pump: 169.79 16251-73073
Gasket: $10.78 16239-73430

Messicks:
Water Pump $212.46 16251-73037
Gasket: $10.94 16239-73430

Aftermarket:
Water Pump and Gasket $39.59

Amazon.com: LIDSCURA Set of 16251-73030 Water Pump (Impeller 70mm), Replacement for Kubota V1505 D1105 ZD331 F2400 BX2660, Replacement for S70, Replaces 16251-63037 : Automotive

Buy LIDSCURA Set of 16251-73030 Water Pump (Impeller 70mm), Replacement for Kubota V1505 D1105 ZD331 F2400 BX2660, Replacement for S70, Replaces 16251-63037: Water Pumps - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

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[tshep]

Well, I took everything apart. I have a SS impeller, looked great.
Stat tested great on stove, radiator guy pumped cleaning stuff and did the fins.
On reassembly...
I IR thermometer-ed the pump, hoses, water everything.
Found a spot I liked above and below the stat, eventually the same.
20 drop across radiator
Saw no distinct difference in inside radiator water activity warming up, so I doubted the stat again. Pulled it hot (still open 3/16 or so), ran it without stat, still no distinct waste activity, but tractor stayed cool, and radiator drop continued. Soooo, evidently, the view port (cap spout) is far enough away that good flow is not visually obvious.
Any insights? Different observations?

Next, I guess I'll schedule the mower for a complete rebuild, to reduce workload.
(When I did the wife's mower, it got quiet enough to hear air over anything else, with used blades wings wore down.)
I do have the OE blades on this one, new this season, so substantial 'wings' (1 - 1 1/8?) bent into blades for 'lift'. Parts guy could not find any straighter.
Any different experience?