Water Pump question

D

Dennis D 1929

Member
On my barn find 1929 coupe, the water pump makes a load knocking sound and the shaft moves in and out (about 1/2 inch) as this sound happens. Amazing is that it doesn't leak. I was thinking on just buying a new "leakless" one but I'd rather not spending the buck and a quarter if I don't have to. Is there an simple procedure I can do to try to salvage the old one. I suppose I'll have to take it off to work on it but I know nothing of these pumps. Any suggestions Thanks !!
 
What are you trying to make your car into?

If you want to someday have a reasonably trouble free Model A. I would make every repair a reliable, long term fix/update. Each new item gets checked off the list of need to do.

Put in the new leakless pump. “One item off the list”. Enjoy.
 
Just out of curiosity, which direction is the play in relation to the vertical plane from the crankshaft pulley? Is the play towards the radiator, towards the head, or split the difference?
 
the stop in the head is probably worn and or the shaft i would wrap a wet rag around the impeller to cut down on the heat and build up the back of the shaft with an arc welder.If you don't have a welder you can buy a collar that goes behind the fan to take up the shaft play,a lot cheaper than a new leakless pump.
 
rocket1 said:
the stop in the head is probably worn and or the shaft i would wrap a wet rag around the impeller to cut down on the heat and build up the back of the shaft with an arc welder.If you don't have a welder you can buy a collar that goes behind the fan to take up the shaft play,a lot cheaper than a new leakless pump.
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MMMM.... Prbably would buy a New WP before going through all that , but thanks
 
WHN said:
What are you trying to make your car into?

If you want to someday have a reasonably trouble free Model A. I would make every repair a reliable, long term fix/update. Each new item gets checked off the list of need to do.

Put in the new leakless pump. “One item off the list”. Enjoy.
Click to expand...

Probably good advice thanks
 
Dennis D 1929 said:
Probably good advice thanks
Click to expand...

If you do decide to replace your water pump, check your cars fan for any cracks or bends.

They make good two blade replacements.

Your pump is only really needed for higher speeds, Model A’s use a syphon system for engine cooling that moves about 35 gpm once engine gets up to operating temperature, about 180 degrees.

Fan is needed for low speeds, once you reach 15 to 20 mph, the air is forced thru radiator by speed of car.
 
There is a split collar available from the vendor's that should stop your movement WITHOUT removing the w/pump.
Paul in CT
 
The collar is the least expensive fix you can do, The leakless pump is for those that can't or won't fix their leaking pump or packing.

I do like the new fan.
 
Any pump that the shaft moves in and out more than 1/8" needs to be taken off to be sure the thrust washer is still in place, or it can slice through the shaft. I bought a pump at a swap meet with this very problem, just for show and tell.
 
1931 flamingo said:
There is a split collar available from the vendor's that should stop your movement WITHOUT removing the w/pump.
Paul in CT
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.. Now that's better than a hose clip on the shaft! ( and about time too!) Who sells them and what's the part #? The collars that have been available up to now work well but you need to remove fan , pump and shaft to fit them.
 
rocket1 said:
the stop in the head is probably worn

I believe this is very common and adding to the shaft length or adding collars is not fixing the real problem. Other than welding the stop, is there some way to thicken the stop? Maybe some type of U shaped spacer?

John
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Thanks to all that responded. I guess I'll have to remove the pump, disassemble and find out whats going on. As it doesn't leak, I just may wait until winter, and just drive it. Actually the more I drive it the better it gets(?). I'm afraid I'll have to remove the radiator to get the pump off though , as it's pretty close to the fan.
 
Most mechanics would tell you, "That thing's WORN OUT, replace it"!!!-----
"You can't make a PURSE, out of a SOWS' EAR"! But, Pats' Friend had one made of an ARMADILLO, she'd SCARE Folks with it!!
Bill W.
 
There are You Tube wideos on rebuilding those water pumps. Watch a few and then decide if you want to do it yourself. Of course the unknown factor is the condition of the housing, which is also available from vendors.
Here's some options from Mikes Affordable A parts... http://www.mikes-afordable.com/category/1124.html
Enjoy the adventure, but fix it right or keep your AAA card handy, Chap
 
aermotor said:
rocket1 said:
the stop in the head is probably worn

I believe this is very common and adding to the shaft length or adding collars is not fixing the real problem. Other than welding the stop, is there some way to thicken the stop? Maybe some type of U shaped spacer?

John
Click to expand...

I drilled and tapped for a pan head screw, brought the stop in the head to original position, then I rebuilt the pump with used parts ( probably original ford)that I got as takeouts from making a " leakless" pump, I am still using that pump 35 years now, and it is leaks less and less , the guy that put the leakless pump on has replaced it 3 times already in the same time
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After limited successful rebuilds I have replaced with leakless pumps the ones on all 3 of my A and haven't had problems since. Just my experience but I would replace, well worth the bucks.
 
Tom Wesenberg said:
Any pump that the shaft moves in and out more than 1/8" needs to be taken off to be sure the thrust washer is still in place, or it can slice through the shaft. I bought a pump at a swap meet with this very problem, just for show and tell.
Click to expand...

Excess end play doesn't hurt..........MUCH!
 

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