Water pump packing questions

coupe1942

coupe1942

Senior Member
I have a stock water pump on my Model A pickup. I have a back up leakless water pump, but I don't want to pull the stock one off the truck at this point and simply want to repack it. In untightening the big washer, I found that there was no evidence of any graphite packing material left inside of it. To me, this implies poor maintenance from the previous owner, but none the less I need to repack the water pump to determine if it is still good or perhaps the shaft is too worn and it is in need of replacement.

I know they make different style packing for these pumps, but I opted to go with the string type instead of the split washer style. The sting type comes in a package of two and my question is, are both strings necessary to make a good seal or is only one to be used and the second one is for later? I have dug out everything I could with a pick and I simply have found virtually no packing at all at any end of the shaft housing and nut.

The pump obviously had been dripping as I see a puddle right below it on the motor.

My second question is: Is there any specific winding about the shaft that the string needs to go in as to orientation on the pump or does that actually matter in the least?

My third question is: How tight is snug or how tight is tight enough to be secure and correct. Hand tight? My big mitts have a nasty habit of not knowing just how much torque they contain.

I have watched a couple of videos on YouTube, but they really didn't help much in answering the questions I had about the string-style packing material and its application.

Thanks for any info. Working out inside my humid garage today and enjoying myself a bit while I can.
 
2 split rings installed with some lube and just tight enough when installed to stop the drips.
Not much experience with the string type. If the shaft is deeply pitted under the seal you won't get a seal. I have dressed the steel shaft to get a seal with emery.
Bob
 
Thanks, but I don't have the split rings on hand to use and I do have the rope or string-style ones on hand. I'll dress it as you stated, just to be safe.
 

Attachments

  • 432.jpg
    432.jpg
    73.1 KB · Views: 84
When you order more stuff order the split rings to replace the string, which probably won't last. You probably want to have the split rings under the seat along with you other spares anyway.
They are cheap compared to being stranded.
Bob
 
My understanding is the string type packing is used for water faucets, etc, which don't spin at high speed. As Bob mentioned, the lead packing rings are the way to go, and if you pack them with grease as you install them you won't have that pesky drip. I buy the non split lead rings because I take my pump all apart to restore it, but the split lead packing rings will also work fine. Just stager the split and pack with grease during installation. I tighten the packing nut to pack the rings in place then back off and lightly snug the brass nut.

For the past few years I buy the rear brass bushing with the seal at the rear to better keep the grease and coolant separated.
 
I've found that the stainless steel shafts we get these days (nobody sells anything else) are too soft. After very few miles, there is a big groove in the shaft from the packing and I tighten it only just enough to stop the leak. People seem to think that stainless is best. I'm about to make my own and while I'm at it, I'll look at using a ceramic seal like we used to be able to buy.
 
Chief used SKINNY cotton rope & wheel bearing grease & a slight tightening for 2 or 3 days, just enough to stop the drip-drip-drip.
I "wonder" if SKINNY Nylon rope would work???? I also "wonder" if several turns of solid core Solder & grease & compress it with the nut, while running, would work???

FUN footnote, our town Blacksmith torched out & sold Water Pump Wrenches, he also ground Corn, in the back, with a Hit & Miss engine for power ! We lived just behind his shop & to the side of our house was a Beer Joint, with a big speaker in the back. NEVER a dull moment! On the other side of the house was Railroad Tracks & a smelly plant that treated posts, with Creosote. (Like Sheep Dip)
We didn't always live in the woods.
Chiefs' Cheep Son
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top