Ok for a quick trip? - UPDATE & QUESTION

sconnors

sconnors

Well-known member
Found the source of my leak (SEE ATTACED PIC) I'm wondering if it's okay to drive about 30 min to a show tomorrow? After sitting for 8-10 hours it only drips enough to amount to the size of a half dollar. The fan and the pulley do not wobble.
Any thoughts/input would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks
Scott

So I took the truck to the show it was about a thirty minute drive, and it didn't leak a drop! It sat in the same place for eight hours and not a drip. Drove it home, parked it in the driveway for an hour, not a drip! Radiator is full too.
I KNOW it was leaking because I watched it! The only thing I can think of that may have caused the leak is I greased the fitting the other day. Could that have caused the leak and then it stopped on its own?
Also, I've ordered a new pump, do you guys think I should still replace the pump?
Thanks guys for all your help, there's a wealth of knowledge on this forum and I for one really appreciate this community and all you guys helping out.
Any input would be greatly appreciated
Scott
 

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Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

IMO, it's probably been leaking a little for a long time. Another day and a short trip won't matter.
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

I think it will be Ok as well. It won't hurt to take a gallon of water with you for security and peace of mind. You may need to wipe off the firewall when you get there but no big deal.
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

Purdy Swoft said:
I think it will be Ok as well. It won't hurt to take a gallon of water with you for security and peace of mind. You may need to wipe off the firewall when you get there but no big deal.
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Thanks Purdy, already got a gallon of water in the back of the truck!
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

If you're not in stop and go traffic, the air flow through the rad should be sufficient.

Have a good show!
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

heneste said:
If you're not in stop and go traffic, the air flow through the rad should be sufficient.

Have a good show!
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Thanks! Looks to be nice weather and the show is supposed to have some rare vehicles, so I'm looking forward to it.
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

I honestly think they are SUPPOSED to leak - I've never been able to make mine stop
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

It looks like one of the early aftermarket "leakless" pumps, the leak you show is through the bearing, have you greased it? ---and does it have up-down play in the bearings?
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

Is it this pump? No lube points or bearings not one of Ford's better ideas.
 

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Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

is that an orig. 2 blade or 4 blade fan? It doesn't look one piece. There have been numerous threads on here about this, one just a few days ago. I'd be more worried about the fan throwing a blade thru the hood or worse....they have a nasty reputation
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

thats a 4 blade pump killing,radiator and hood destroying fan,too heavy,get the aluminum repro when you change that pump
 
So I took the truck to the show it was about a thirty minute drive, and it didn't leak a drop! It sat in the same place for eight hours and not a drip. Drove it home, parked it in the driveway for an hour, not a drip! Radiator is full too.
I KNOW it was leaking because I watched it! The only thing I can think of that may have caused the leak is I greased the fitting the other day. Could that have caused the leak and then it stopped on its own?
Also, I've ordered a new pump, do you guys think I should still replace the pump?
Thanks guys for all your help, there's a wealth of knowledge on this forum and I for one really appreciate this community and all you guys helping out.
Any input would be greatly appreciated
Scott
 
Re: Ok for a quick trip? - NEED INPUT

I did a trip to Tx from the Bay Area (CA) and on the way back I noticed my pump was dripping. I got a spare and put it on. Drove that for a mile or two and it also leaked. Borrowed another and put it on and the next morning after about thirty minutes there was a squeal from the front which made me stop. This pump was totally frozen up. I put another on and drove to Delta Utah and there put on a seminar in how to change back to your original leaking pump in 15 minutes. Just added water until I got home. It only leaked while sitting, with the engine running no leak. One of the pumps I put on was a new "Leakless" one. Leakless didn't mean it wouldn't leak. I saw use what is now working. Mine is still on the car and in the morning of a trip I check and top off if necessary.
 
Usually with an original style pump, if you back the packing nut off the threaded bushing, Put some good grease in the packing nut with your fingers and reinstall the packing nut, only tightening until the leak stops, that usually will suffice . If it doesn't stop leaking before the packing nut starts getting tight, it will probably need more packing and grease. Tightening the packing nut real tight will slip the rear bushing and ruin the pump. Usually an original type pump will last indefenately if greased properly and tightened as needed and adding new packing from time to time.
 
Purdy Swoft said:
Usually with an original style pump, if you back the packing nut off the threaded bushing, Put some good grease in the packing nut with your fingers and reinstall the packing nut, only tightening until the leak stops, that usually will suffice . If it doesn't stop leaking before the packing nut starts getting tight, it will probably need more packing and grease. Tightening the packing nut real tight will slip the rear bushing and ruin the pump. Usually an original type pump will last indefenately if greased properly and tightened as needed and adding new packing from time to time.
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Exactly!
I rebuilt my pump exactly as original about 15 years ago, greased it maybe 3 or 4 times in all those years, checked the tightness a couple times and it never leaked a drop. In fact it was all original parts except the new shaft and lead packing rings.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Exactly!
I rebuilt my pump exactly as original about 15 years ago, greased it maybe 3 or 4 times in all those years, checked the tightness a couple times and it never leaked a drop. In fact it was all original parts except the new shaft and lead packing rings.
Click to expand...

Peoples lively hood depends on the selling of "leakless pumps" you are eliminating american jobs by telling people that the original way works. Shame on you:D:cool:
 
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