Water Pump Options

Thodge

Thodge

Senior Member
My water pump is seeping from the packing and needs some attention. It looks like there are a few different options out there for rebuilding or replacing it. I’m wondering if it’s worth going to one of the leakless/greaseless pumps, rebuilding with a leak less kit, or just repack the original. I’m wondering what some of your experiences have been with any of the options and if you have any suggestions. The car does have an alternator and I did see the modern bearing pumps being advertised as holding up better in that case, whether it’s true I’m not sure.
 
Easiest, and you can do it without removing the water pump from the head, is to add in another layer of the leaded packing and see if it works. Don't remove the old, put the new on top of it. If that doesn't work and you have to remove the old water pump, I'd suggest that you either rebuild or buy a rebuilt one with the leakless packing and a new stainless steel shaft. Your call whether you want to go with the bearing nose or not, but the front bushing is where my last one failed.

You're not going to break the bank leakless vs. not.
 
The original water pumps always leak a few drops and need constant tightening. Special water proof grease has to be used. I really like my leakless water pump.

I saw somewhere that the corners of the impeller can be cut off to reduce the flow. There is some thinking that the flow of the original impeller is too much, especially when running a engine at a higher rpm.
 
I installed leakless waterpumps in both of my '28 A's at least 10 years ago and have never had any problems with either of them.
 
That’s a good point about trying to repack it first and see if it holds. The packing nut is bottomed right out and it’s still dripping a fair bit. I can live with a few drops but this is a bit much.
 
Thodge
One thing that will help make your decision on whether to replace it or not is the water pump shaft. Back off the packing nut completely and slide it towards the fan. Now, look at the shaft where the packing rides. How much is it warn down? If it is warn more than about 1/16" then I would replace the shaft. If it is less then you can probably put 2 pieces of the round lead packing in the packing nut. I always put some grease on the shaft and run the packing nut back and forth through it, before I tighten it. Tighten the nut until the dripping stops.
 
Thodge, if you like tinkering with things then rebuild your old pump. I like to spend as much time driving my "A" and try to minimize having to fixing or repairing things. I have had a leakless pump for at least 10 years and had to do 0 maintenance.
 
Tighten the packing nut slowly when the engine is running, not when it's stopped.
 
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