Keeping water in the old gal

[Guest Huppnut]

To make a long story short, it's getting harder to keep water in after a drive, it's fine while driving, but when I stop and shut it off it will drip out the rope seal area . I recently had the water pump rebuilt and it still leaks, they suggested adding more rope and tightening nut. Again and again and again. At what point will it stop. I don't want to over tighten the nut, just a bit each time, or is it normal to add water every trip you take? Anyone rebuild these pumps with a seal? Is this system under any kind of pressure?

[JFranklin]

I am not familiar with your pump and don't know what year or model it is but I have pumps that use packing and I dont use rope seal because it wears on the shaft. I use graphite packing rings sold for the Ford model A and add a bit of grease when I install them and turn the packing nut down just enough that it does not drip. A rope type seal is for faucets and such that does not turn often or at high R.P.M.

[Guest Huppnut]

it's a 27' 6 cylinder. Do you know where you got the graphite packing rings from...I'm ready to try anything. thanks

[1910Hupp]

it's a 27' 6 cylinder. Do you know where you got the graphite packing rings from...I'm ready to try anything. thanks

Any of the Model A Parts Houses -I use Synders who have a good website and have always been good to deal with . Karl

[Guest B1rdman]

i to have a 1927, and the key to it all in my case was end play.

see if you can move the shaft in and out pushing, and pulling on the fan,

mine would seal then after not to many miles leak again.

i dont worry about leaks any more.

gene

[trimacar]

Rebuilding the pump is fine, if it's done correctly. As mentioned, if there's any play then sealing is tough.

I had a '35 Pierce on which I rebuilt the pump, then added two metal-rubber shaft seals (check McMaster Carr), each facing opposite direction. My reasoning was that one would keep water in, the other would keep air out (keep air from being sucked in to pump).

Worked perfectly, no leaks and no foaming in water system.

[jpage]

On my Model A, years before the new leakless water pumps, I put a small oil seal in the rear bushing and with a new shaft stopped all leaks. If there is a bronze or brass bushing in your pump perhaps that's an answer ,so I agree with Trimacar. A good machinist can advise you of what tact to take and you may never need the packing again! There's always more than one way to skin a cat!