Hotrod406

iTrader: (6)

My moderately modified water pump started leaking last week and I'm wondering if it is rebuildable. New ones are expensive and it doesn't make any sense to buy a new one when just one seal leaks on this one. Not to mention the several hours of modification are on my current pump (-20 fitting welded on, heater hose nipples removed and threaded, internal bypass welded shut). Someone else has to have been in the same situation. What did you do?

Oscar Will

I have rebuilt some ancient flathead Ford water pumps and a few old "babbit-pounder" Chevy inline six water pumps. The old car parts were available in "rebuild kits" but I haven't seen any rebuilding parts on the newer stuff. I think anyone competent with a press can certainly fix one of these.....it's a matter of the parts being available.

Hotrod406

iTrader: (6)

That's what I figured. I might as well take the pump apart and see what's in there. The seals and bearing probably have manufacturer part numbers on them and I'll go from there. I'll post up my results in here.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

I've rebuilt a few other boat related items. And I can tell you that I have yet to find a bearing or seal that's not an off the shelf item. I'm modifying my pump too and am going to take apart the sdpare used pump I have. I can tell you that the front pulley comes off. And the shaft is pressed onto the impeller.
I also found out that pressing a front pulley on while only supporting the impeller on the bottom will result in the impeller being pushed up the shaft and into the water pump housing...oops....

Hotrod406

iTrader: (6)

I had the pulley off this one to bead blast it. That's what probably killed the seal, either that or 118k miles on this pump (5k from me and 113k from a previous life)

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

Question for you.
I've got a 86 vette with 6.0, LQ9, DBW, and want to keep the mechanical fan.
I want to make a sharp turn to the drivers side so the top water hose can go under the TB and behind the fan. I saw your welded fitting and that would work for me. But is there no way to tap that front hole?
Gary

Hotrod406

iTrader: (6)

I debated using the front hole but decided against it because I didn't want my hoses going inside the serpentine belt. I don't think it's thick enough to tap but you could certainly weld a piece of tubing on there.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

I cant use the top (truck) hole because of the DBW motor. But I did discove the top hole is almost impossible to tap because of the casting shape.
So I figured use the front hole. I'll buy an F body pump and see how it looks.

Hotrod406

iTrader: (6)

I think the pulley offset is different on the car accessories.

garys 68

iTrader: (1)

Definitelt. But my understanding is that the truck pulley can be pressed onto the F body pump shaft. That way I can use it with my truck balancer and mechanical fan.