water pump end play

[Maclab58]

I just got my 28 AR sport coupe running after a 12 year slumber. This is my first model A and im wondering if end play in the waterpump is normal or do I have a pending Disaster. when the car is running, you can watch the shaft and it has about 1/4 inch of travel in and out. Problem?

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

1/4" is a problem! It will allow the thrust waher to come out of place and wear into the shaft. I posted a picture of a water pump where this happened and the impellor and rear of the shaft filly snapped off. This will allow the fan to move forward and slice through the radiator.

Install a locking collar from one of the Model A parts houses.