water pump shaft rattling noise

drumyn29

drumyn29

Senior Member
Lots of noise coming from fan area and it seems to have a lot of front to back play in the shaft.

Yes I greased the zerks.
 
Remove the pump and fix it before it goes through the radiator, like what happened to a guy in our club.

With a little extra play the thrust washer falls out of place and chews on the shaft until this happens.
 

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If the shaft and/or head is too worn, you can buy the locking collar, which mounts on the front of the shaft under the fan hub.
 

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I had the same problem, it turned out to be the fan clipping the radiator. All the sudden it put some curves in the radiator.. I replaced the water pump and put a molded 2 blade aluminum fan on it and all is fine now. I was lucky no leaks in the radiator caught it before it ruined my radiator.
 
I see that you are running the 1933 and later model 46 four cylinder truck fan. These fans are very dangerous, mabe even more than the original fans I've had two of them to sling a blade, they usually crack in a straight line between the revits. They will usually vibrate and sound like the engine isn't running right just before they sling a blade. I recommend installing a new aluminum repro fan while you are at it. Besides the radiator and hood, it could also save your life. The front water pump bearing can also cause noise.. I use the modern style front bearing, it has less tolerance and also removes end play.
 
+1 on everything that Purdy says.

The pump is probably ready for a rebuild in any case. Buy the standard kit that has the 1/4" extended pump shaft. Set it up according to the kit (you'll need a large, stout vise or a press to do this) and then grind off the nose of the impeller/shaft to give the proper 0.005 to 0.010 clearance.

Purdy does the front bearing the way I do - a torrington needle bearing and pressed on the shaft sleeve makes this considerably more "tight" than the original chevron sleeve and mega-roller bearing - although the quality of the original parts is improved in recent years I see.

Or you can pop the wallet and get the "Forever" pump (or it's equivalent) which removes the need to do much except bolt it in place.

But definitely check out that fan...

Joe K
 
If you rebuild that pump with stock type parts,buy the original type rear grease fitting,you don't want a zerk fitting on there.That rear fitting takes water pump grease,you remove the fitting,pack the hole in the pump with your finger and put the fitting back in,to much grease will wind up in your cooling system.
 
I have ANOTHER question for you guys!

I called the Erly Ford store in san dimas and bought a leakless water pump and to my surprise he said that my fan is not the one that flies apart. He said that he uses the same one on his car and is not worried. He told me that the 2 blade fans are known for coming apart. I believe you guys over a counter person but I'm curious what ya think!!
 
ummm,
if Purdy says it, it is

go ahead, use it. Be sure to wear a kevlar vest

Ryan might as well shut this board down. The pros give out tons of solid advice and they are either scorned or ignored. It is hard to figure why the newbies ask any questions at all since they have no intention of following the advice given.

Just in the last 2 days alone we had a compression test bypassed for something trivial, and a generator go wanting because the owner doesn't want to tackle it. Explain to me again why you guys buy these cars?
 
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tbirdtbird said:
ummm,
if Purdy says it, it is

go ahead, use it. Be sure to wear a kevlar vest

Ryan might as well shut this board down. The pros give out tons of solid advice and they are either scorned or ignored. It is hard to figure why the newbies ask any questions at all since they have no intention of following the advice given.

Just in the last 2 days alone we had a compression test bypassed for something trivial, and a generator go wanting because the owner doesn't want to tackle it. Explain to me again why you guys buy these cars?
Click to expand...

Why the bad attitude? Sorry to bother you, I'll never ask a question again.

I haven't done a compression test yet because I don't own one.

I'll replace the fan!
 
I just wanted to give a great big THANK YOU to Purdy and the rest of you guys for all of your help.

I know us "younger" car guys can be a pain in the butt but we very much value all of your knowledge, thank you for passing the torch.

P.S. I just ordered a new aluminum fan.
 
tbirdtbird said:
ummm,
if Purdy says it, it is

go ahead, use it. Be sure to wear a kevlar vest

Ryan might as well shut this board down. The pros give out tons of solid advice and they are either scorned or ignored. It is hard to figure why the newbies ask any questions at all since they have no intention of following the advice given.

Just in the last 2 days alone we had a compression test bypassed for something trivial, and a generator go wanting because the owner doesn't want to tackle it. Explain to me again why you guys buy these cars?
Click to expand...

Thanks Tbird,
You are a good guy, one of the best in my opinion !!!!!!! I just try and give helpfull info and share my lifetime experiences with model A's . All of the old fans can be dangerous. I've had two of the old truck fans sling a blade. The original two blade model A fans are famous for slinging blades and people generally know to look out for them. Most don't realize how dangerous the old four cylinder truck fans that Ford sold as replacement for the model A fan have become after all these years.
 
My next door neighbors 10 year old kid loves cars so I am going to have him help me this weekend and get the water pump installed.
 
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