1923 Water Pump Packing

[Scott S]

I would like to repack the water pump on my '23 four cyl. It leaks a little even after tightening it. I have the materials, and think the job seems pretty easy, but since there are no written guides, I wanted to know if anyone has done this and can tell me what issues may arise once I get it apart.

[garnetkid]

Depends on how much it is leaking whether or not you should repack it. I don't mind mine leaking a little as it acts as a lubricant on the shaft and keeps it from becoming scored or galled by a dry packing. Not hard to repack if you have to, just back off the nuts and replace the packing and tighten back up.

[Mark Shaw]

Scott,

Contact Paramount Supply in Bellingham for packing. You may also want a packing puller to remove the old packing. Mention my name if you dare...they are one of my distributors.

[Fred Rawling]

I have found that on the 1926 and later Buicks, it is best to remove all the old packing before installing new. I bought square rope packing and made a jig to cut the correct length with the 45 degree angle by nailing some nails in a piece of wood to guide the razor blade.

[Brian_Heil]

The correct graphite impregnated 'rope' water pump packing material from Restoration Supply Company makes all the difference. 20,000 miles of touring and no leakage.