Papermachtech

Hello everyone;
There are a lot of YouTube videos of people starting LS1's on a stands without water/coolant of any kind. I understand if the motor is not ran for more than a couple minutes no cooling for the cylinder heads may no do any damage. However how about the water pump seal? Two micro-polished surfaces rubbing together without any lube or coolant. Doesnt seem like a good idea to me. Is this going to be harmful to the pump seal?
Would love to have opinions/experience on issue.
Thanks
Rick

G Atsma

There IS a solution. Don't run the water pump. Take the belt off.

ls1nova71

iTrader: (4)

^^^ Yep, I always take the belt off so the power steering pump isnt turned either.

JoeNova

I start mine on a stand all of the time without a belt on the water pump. Just don't let it run for more than a minute or so at a time.

I usually fill the block through the top of the water pump and then let it slowly drain out through the holes in the thermostat. The water in the block absorbs a good bit of heat.

Papermachtech

Good point, must have been drinking when I asked the question.

LOL

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

I don't run any pump dry certainly not a power steering pump but I will add this, Water pumps use a sealed bearing so they are not lubed by coolant so running one shouldn't cause any problem at all, I don't see how it would be any different than sealed wheel bearings/axle bearings/supercharger bearings and so on, The seal is there to keep water/dirt out and the grease in.

LS1MCSS

iTrader: (18)

The bearing isn't the problem. It's the water seal that keeps the pump from leaking. They have two micro polished surfaces that should not be running dry. This picture is one similar to it.