Water Pump Options

nickair

nickair

Senior Member
Just replaced my cracked 83 year old fan. When test running it for the new fan install inspection, I saw that my water pump housing was cracked on one side. Darn. Wish I would have seen that when it was all apart. :-)

Looking for advice on water pump options. Plan to replace the whole pump.

I did just add a thermostat when I replaced the fan and radiator hoses. Has a new radiator also.

1) Looking at ordering a leak-less water pump. Thoughts?

2) Is there a water pump impeller available with reduced size fins?

1931 Stock Tudor
 
FYI - I have been using the "Extreme Duty Leakless Water Pump" (www.leaklessapumps.com) for almost 4 years, and have been satisfied.
It is pricey, but I think it may be the best leakless water pump available and it uses sealed bearings for both front AND rear.
 
Or you could go the "el-cheapo" route and source a water pump casting and rebuild it to original - it's a challenge to beat Ford's success (mostly.)

I like to use torrington needles on the front bearing and a matching sleeve which is pressed on over the shaft. Somewhere in the "how to rebuild the model A" books is the formula for both of these parts.

But others stay with the original chevron bushing and mega cage rollers.

I like to use the leakless sealed brass rear bushing pressed into the casting. These now are available in "double lip" style which wasn't available back when I did my couple. With an original nut it gives a 'back up' in case the lip seals fail (mostly they don't.)

But others stay with the original brass bushing and content themselves with greasing it periodically as original.

I like to rebuild using a shaft that is the 1/4" long version - and then grinding it down to give the preferred 0.005 to 0.010 end play. I have a press to put on the impeller and ALWAY drill and pin the impeller. I have not noticed issues with the impeller hitting the inside of the cylinder head casting (reported by some and usually solved by turning it down in a lathe.)

But others either go a 'sealed bearing' setup for the front (which does away with the need for ANY end play adjustment) or a shaft collar in front of the front bearing. Both work and work well.

I think the rule of thumb here is el-cheapo is cash conserving - maybe. But not so time conserving. And how do you value your time?

I recently had a choice to have the brakes done on my wife's car. A late model, brake pads and rotors are now a "do it in your garage" sort of car repair - the intelligent are challenged to find a way to screw it up. But at $100 labor and I'm away on business I said "I'm starting to value my time off" - and let the garage do it this time.

I guess that was my price point that day. Working on the Model A it might be different.

No, it IS different.

Joe K
 
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Hi Nick,

FWIW:

If you would like to install a leak-less water pump & forget about water pump tinkering, & water pump covers to prevent coolant drips from flying about now & then, this is OK.

If you feel comfortable with tinkering with water pump packing & a water pump wrench now & then, this is still OK & satisfying to many.

Some may like shoes, some prefer boots; but both will work well when walking barefooted on a gravel driveway.

Hope this helps to make a decision -- just do what you like.
 
Pat Martone said:
FYI - I have been using the "Extreme Duty Leakless Water Pump" (www.leaklessapumps.com) for almost 4 years, and have been satisfied.
It is pricey, but I think it may be the best leakless water pump available and it uses sealed bearings for both front AND rear.
Click to expand...


Thanks guys. I just learned some things I did not know from talking with Jim Rupert @ the website Pat sent here, above. Jim is a great guy and took the time to educate me on the cooling system. He says his pump will work fine with my new thermostat installed and my new modern core radiator. He used it on his with that setup. Nice guy. I bought the extreme duty version. Sealed bearings at each end. Double sealed bearings at fan end to handle the extra pressures of adding an altenator.
 
Mitch//pa said:
Pat are the extreme's different then what the jobbers sell??
Click to expand...

I'm not Pat, I'm Bill, them pumps are special & come from Bakersfield, Ca, where all the good old WESTERN MUSIC comes frum! Jist ask Juke Joint Johnny!:D He even knows about them "SOLID BODY" GEETARS:D
Dad W.
 
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