flathead 53
Well-known member
What is the best way to change water pumps on my 40 coupe?
1940 ford water pumps
- Thread starter flathead 53
- Start date
bchrismer
Member
If I remember correctly, I think that I put a floor jack, with a square of plywood, under the oil pan, took the motor mount loose, on one side, and raised it just enough to lift the engine slightly off the pad. Once I had that side on, bolted it back down.
Rinse, spit, and repeat for the other side.
Rinse, spit, and repeat for the other side.
I've heard replacing that bolt with a stud and nut is a great move.
Graeme / New Zealand
Well-known member
I'd just use a stainless bolt. I got one of those sockets that has teeth on them so they bite into the bolt head to get the old one out that had rusted so that an ordinary socket would not catch it.
GB
Graeme / New Zealand
Well-known member
blucar
Well-known member
Two points that are a must when changing a flat head water pump.
The lower concealed bolt:
To assist with the removal of the lower bolt hidden within the pump body.. Clean as much of the debris from around the bolt head.. Use a six point socket in lieu of the more conventional twelve point. If the six point socket strips off the head then you'll have to use a special socket.
Patience is golden in removing this bolt, give a little pull on the ratchet, then reverse it for a light push the other direction. If the bolts appears to be turning in the removal direction, repeat the in and out directions. As a rule the bolt will come loose without stripping and/or breaking.
For a replacement bolt a stainless steel bolt can be good, however, not all stainless bolts are of a high quality, automotive and/or grade 8 might be better. General hardware bolts are of very poor quality.
Oil passage:
There is an oil passage through the block that provides oil to the pump shaft. Run a wire through the passage to make sure it is open. An inspection of the old pump will give you a clue as to if the old water pump was being lubricated..
Oil to the water pump is not pressurized, it is gravity feed on a total loss principle. A plugged oil passage is the major cause of water pump failure.
The lower concealed bolt:
To assist with the removal of the lower bolt hidden within the pump body.. Clean as much of the debris from around the bolt head.. Use a six point socket in lieu of the more conventional twelve point. If the six point socket strips off the head then you'll have to use a special socket.
Patience is golden in removing this bolt, give a little pull on the ratchet, then reverse it for a light push the other direction. If the bolts appears to be turning in the removal direction, repeat the in and out directions. As a rule the bolt will come loose without stripping and/or breaking.
For a replacement bolt a stainless steel bolt can be good, however, not all stainless bolts are of a high quality, automotive and/or grade 8 might be better. General hardware bolts are of very poor quality.
Oil passage:
There is an oil passage through the block that provides oil to the pump shaft. Run a wire through the passage to make sure it is open. An inspection of the old pump will give you a clue as to if the old water pump was being lubricated..
Oil to the water pump is not pressurized, it is gravity feed on a total loss principle. A plugged oil passage is the major cause of water pump failure.