SDLARS Posted August 5, 2020 Share Posted August 5, 2020 Will be removing my 30's water pump, again soon. Had it off, machined a new shaft and new packing. Fine for probably 100 miles. Not good now. More than a little seepage. What should I be looking for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kornkurt Posted October 2, 2021 Share Posted October 2, 2021 You should be able to tighten the packing nut enough to stop the leak. If not loosen it up all the way and wrap some plumbers faucet graphic string around the shaft. Then reinstall the nut and tighten it until the leak stops. Good luck! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DITCHBURN 1928 Pontiac Posted March 13, 2022 Share Posted March 13, 2022 These waterpumps are fragile so be careful. They are also hard to find in rebuildable condition. I had two and sold them to a guy in Australia.. Do what Kornkurt states above. I never could completely eliminate water pump leaks. Short drives were ok but on long drives it would leak terrible. I had to carry a water jug with me and a water pump wrench to tighten the 1 inch nut on trips.. The indian head rad cap ornament would also leak under pressure. I ended up using a Motometer rad cap gauge to keep an eye on the coolant temps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted March 13, 2022 Share Posted March 13, 2022 Use real water pump graphite packing not faucet string. the string will damage the shaft. grease it well on install. If you can't find correct packing look for a model A Ford supply house, they carry it. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloo Posted March 14, 2022 Share Posted March 14, 2022 If you can't slow the leak down with new packing, the pump probably needs rebuilding due to bad bushings or a burned shaft or both. It needs to leak a tiny bit for lubrication or the shaft will burn up. Only a little, just enough to keep it damp or wet (not a steady drip or stream). 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
32Pontiac6 Posted March 19, 2022 Share Posted March 19, 2022 I would hold off removing the pump. I have found that you have to keep tightening the packing after a rebuild for a while. I would tighten the nut and drive more. If it gets to the point where you can't tighten the nut anymore you can then back off and put more packing material. While I respect Kornkurt's knowledge I have not had a lot of luck with plumbing store packing. The best I have found for splithead engine pumps is: Palmetto Packings Style 1347AF It is 3/16" square I think you can get it on Amazon but I got mine through McMaster Carr. I find this to be the best packing for these engines. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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