'36 120 waterpump

[Guest TJOaks]

I have a '36 Packard 120 and cannot seem to get any mileage out of the waterpump. The pump has been rebuilt or replaced after about every 1500 miles. The 35-37 pumps are the bushing type with the packing nut. The problem is that the bushings won't last and they are lubricated regularly. 38 and newer models have the sealed bearing type pump which I believe would be more durable. Has anyone had problems with their bushing type waterpump besides me? Has anyone tried to interchange to a bearing style waterpump on a 35-37?

[flackmaster]

I can provide a needle bearing replacement for the waterpump bushings. I usually use the needle bearing for the front and the bronze bushing for the rear. I am wondering, though, if you have any idea what is causing the failure - any chance you have the fan belt tighter than it should be? And for the nitpickers out there, 38 also had a bushing pump - Packard finally went with a roller shaft in 39.