water pump packing

[my1930coupe]

I did do a search on packing a water pump. I have a quick question on how to properly do this. I would like to know how many wraps to use on the shaft, Thanks for any and all help. Dave

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

It's important to ONLY use the lead packing rings, and not some graphite string or rope. The graphite string is fine for a faucet handle which doesn't spin at high speed.

I always start by removing the old stuff from the packing nut, then install two packing rings. Be sure to smear a lot of grease around the rings as you install them. If the pump is together you can use the split lead rings.

Doing it this way my pump hasn't leaked a drop in 10 years.

 

[Tom Wesenberg]

Here's a picture of my water pump that I restored about 15 years ago. After doing a vinegar rust removal treatment, I decided to take the pump apart to add the seal at the rear of the rear bushing. My pump never leaked a drop in the 10 years I've run it, but the seal will better keep the grease out of the coolant and the coolant out of the grease. A rebuilt original pump is the most trouble free and leakproof pump I know of.

This picture also shows the thermostat I added 5 years ago, and the drier nylon sock I just added after the vinegar treatment, to make sure any loose rust can't plug the raidator tubes.

BTW, when I grease the rear bushing I will unscrew the brass nut, so the grease can push out the front, rather than push against the seal.