'36 Water Pump gone bad?

Lyndon

Lyndon

Member
I'm wondering if a water pump is failing on my '36 Ford 21 stud. I don't have very many miles since a complete rebuild a couple years ago, but tonight on the way home from supper I noticed the temp gauge rising while stopped at a light. It fell back down a bit between lights, but started going back up again when I would sit still idling for a little while. The temp indicator in the dash usually never shows itself at all when driving (I'm using the original style temp gauge). When I got home and had a look, the back side of the pass. side water pump pulley was covered in black grease, and it had started to spit out into the surroundings a bit (pictures below may not show it very well). Does not appear to be leaking any coolant.

Is this the sign of a water pump going bad? Both pumps were bought as rebuilds from a reputable parts supplier.

Thanks,

Lyndon

409390718.jpg


409390717.jpg
 
I had this same thing happen to me on a '36 I had about 15 years ago. Mine started leaking shortly after it started spitting grease. It's either that, or it might seize up. I'd replace it sooner rather than later.
 
Although I am not a big fan of the John Deere corn head grease I do use in in the water pumps. The Zerk fitting is not a great idea, you may want to look for a pair of the 36 style pressure relief grease fittings, I believe they come in 3 slightly different styles.
 
I rebuilt a pair of 36 pumps and proceeded to destroy one of them by greasing it...it seems the hydraulic action of the grease gun just burst the casting... a hairline crack appeared and the grease came through.I bought a pair of brand new pumps from Gerald Fryer( I think that name is correct) they are new castings and have improved impellers,and sealed modern bearings...no need to grease them ...the car actually ran a tad too cool with them fitted.He was the nicest guy Ive ever dealt with....he would take NO payment for them,shipped them to England and said only pay if you are happy with them!!!! I kid you not.As it turns out, I would have paid him even if they were not as good as he said, a true Gent and sorry to say ,a very rare breed.
 
Grab the pulley and see how much wobble it has in it. It can develop quite an alarming amount of wobble before it starts leaking water. It it is wobbling you ought to either grease it and monitor it regularly or look at getting a replacement or the pump rebuilt.

Mart.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top