Water Pump Pack Nut Question

A

Auernig

Junior Member
Is it normal for a water pump pack nut to get loose after a short drive? I keep a pack nut wrench under the seat and tighten it regularly.

-Any thoughts for a rookie?

Auernig;)
 
Not that normal. This probably has to do with new packing - one hopes eventually everything will "settle down" and reach an optimal state of compression of the packing.

ALTHOUGH it may have to do with the shaft tearing up the packing (and it being washed out) and disappearing that way.

You might "mark" the nut somehow and keep track if it's "undoing" as the engine stops, reaches a compression limit on one cylinder, and then "rebounds" slightly.

Best is a rebuild using the modern seal incorporated inner shaft bearing. I think these now have not one but TWO modern seals which sort of do away with any need to mess with the nut packing - although you can do this too if you wish. (and maybe as a back-up?)

Joe K
 
when I pack the nut I add a little glob of grease to make sure it is lubed. you could add a drop of locktite on the threads also.
 
It sound like you have a leak-less pump and the packing nut is just a long for the ride. that is way I put them together. I put the packing in there just encase the leak less fails then you can tighten down the packing nut and run on a standard water pump.
 
Something I do that can't hurt. . .
The drop of oil on the dipstick when you check the oil, put it on the waterpump shaft fore and aft. I've never had a pump problem. FWIW

Dick
 
I rebuilt my water pump exactly as original over 12 years ago and it never leaked a drop. I only checked the brass packing nut twice in 10 years of driving, and it was slightly snug both times, which meant it was where it should be.
 
How long has it been in there? Maybe taking it apart and inspecting the packing is in order as the nut loosening is not normal and your shaft may be scored now.
 
Is it a ferrous or brass nut. I have had the ferrous threads give out, and after several fighting sequences, I realized that was the problem.
 
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