VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1929-1932 32 Water pump rebuild

On my water pump between the impeller and the housing were two copper washers. I have a spare water pump that the bushings and shaft are in good shape so I was going to put this pump back in the car while I rebuild the original.When I place these two washers in my other pump the impeller is very close to the housing. Should I make another spacer to give a bigger clearance or what is normally in there. Also when I press the pulley back on should the pulley be tight to the pump housing or a small clearance.
Thanks in advance

There should be a thick fiber washer between the impeller and the water pump body. The impeller blades should be close to the body, but not close enough to scrape the body as the impeller turns.

The pulley should be pressed on snug enough so that there is no end play on the shaft, but still allowing the shaft and impeller to turn freely.

Thanks JYD. I'll find a fiber washer to fit instead of the copper washers that are there now.

Actually, the fiber washer came in the water pump repair kits, so you might want to purchase a new old stock repair kit and put in everything new.

JYD,
The spare pump I have is in good shape and I was able to locate a fiber washer that when I put it between the two copper washers that were in my original pump I have a small clearence from the impeller to the housing.What do you think might work?

JYD,
I just looked at the repair kit on the FS web site Looks good
Can you tell me what the rubber vulcanized tee on the discharge of my water pump is called. Mine is in ruff shape and starting to seperate. It is the Tee to the heater. Thanks

The copper washers are probably too soft and when they wear your impeller will rub against the pump body. A thick stainless steel washer can be used in conjunction with the fiber washer to get the correct clearance.

The water pump repair kits that the Filling Station sells are great kits! However, don't bother ordering one because the kits are on.....(are ya ready?).........back order! At this time, they don't know when the kits will be available again either.

The correct "Tee" for the Chevrolet accessory heater was steel, not rubber. You will have to find a steel "Tee" and use it in your radiator hose instead.

Any advise for repacking the pump. I have taken all the old packing out and the spacer that goes between the front and back packing. In the repair manual it talks of 2 piece split packing. I don't believe this is available. Can I wind packing around the shaft then slide it in place with the spacer and then do the same for the outer packing before installing the packing nut. Would this be a resonable way to do it that would last. Thanks Guys.

You can use small rope packing. Cut it to length and then form it in a circle in the water pump body. Put in two pieces of packing, then the metal packing spacer and then two more pieces of packing, followed by the packing nut. I believe that the Filling Station sells the water pump packing that you need.

Thanks JYD,
Am I reading the manual right in that the spacer is to direct the gease to the back of the water pump and the rear bushing.

The spacer is used to allow the special water pump grease to enter the housing to lubricate the shaft and the bushing.

Dan,
For rebuilding and repacking the water pump check out www.cvr.citymax.com/page/page/550626.htm

For packing try www.mcmaster.com under fastening and sealing, compression packing.

Thanks Doug Good info there.