1932 - 67 Slow water drip at the Water Pump Shaft

[Guest Shoe1932]

Got our 1932 - 67 sedan running and have noticed a small drip. (slow but somewhat steady) at the shaft which goes into the water pump from the generator. It appears that the threaded nut, which the shaft goes through as it enters the water pump, could be tightened but I did not want to do anything until I got some advice from someone. What is it that keeps the water from coming back toward the generator on that shaft and what would you guys recommend I do first.

Thanks

Shoe

[Mark Shaw]

You will need to tighten the packing nut 1/8 turn at a time and turn over the engine to see if it stops. Packing is expected to leak in most pumps to help cool the packing and prevent scoring the shaft. Graphoil packing is recommended for old cars due to the self lubricity of the graphite in the braided packing.

Most old car collectors adjust the packing to stop leaks while the car is in storage. But, if the engine is not used for a long time, the shaft may become pitted and cause the packing to wear out quickly. New stainless steel pump shafts are commonly used to replace the original carbon steel shafts to prevent this.

If you have a grease fitting near the packing gland, you can usually stop the leak with a shot or two of grease. It is good practice to always turn over the engine to distribute the grease and every time you tighten the packing.