Water pump is tight ????

[G&N Farms]

I put a new water pump on and replaced the water inlet on top of the block. After I tightened the water pump, I installed the upper water Inlet. Then the water pump was hard the turn. I turned the W/P by hand after tightening the new nuts , no problems. Then I tightened the inlet and now the pump doesn't turn as easy. What a deal.................................

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

What is the inlet on the water pump?
Do you mean the outlet hose?

I have seen the lead packing rings get tight on the shaft when a car sets for a long time, but by turning the fan by hand it will free right up again.

 

[Mike V. Florida]

If you look into the head you will see a vertical piece of casting. This originally was the way the end play was taken car of. Some vendors sell a longer shaft where it enters the head to account for the wear on that piece of casting.

It appears that you need to grind down the end that goes into the head until you get clearance. If the water pump is not bound tight when the nuts are tightened and the pump will still turn albeit real tight, you might get away with just adding another gasket instead of grinding.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

I prefer to use the locking collar rather than the original head piece to control the end play. With the locking collar the pump can be used on any Model A head without worry for a change in end play.

Also make sure the brass thrust washer is engaged in the pocket of the impeller when the pump is mounted.