VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND EARLIER 1937-1945 Water pump grease?

I have finally taken over the family 41 Chevy, bought new by my great grandpa. Among the many odd things that followed with the car is a grease gun filled with what my dad says is a special water pump grease. Now the service book says that the water pump needs no grease, but there is a zerk on it. I have never heard of any sort of dedicated water pump grease, so what is really going on here?
I have a number of other issues, too, and everything is complicated by being in Sweden, far removed from the few, the proud, the experienced 216 gurus. Oh, and parts are expensive and take a long time to arrive.

Karl

Many water pumps are lubricated with a special grease as are marine pumps, bearings and packing. Regular chassis grease contains a surfactant (soap) that is water soluble. It will quickly either be washed away or dissolve into the coolant. Neither of those is good. So marine and water pump lubricants use a non-water soluble surfactant making the grease more long lasting.

Carl,

After reading Chipper's excellent response, I think I would advise you to change the water pump out for a regular 1941-52 type.

Some have indicated that the repair kit has limited value. But, owing to the cost of a new pump and shipping, I think I would try it. I have an extra core that you can have for free, just pay shipping.

Good luck with it,

Charlie

Now that I re-read your post, I feel that I need to add more information. Water pumps with sealed bearings are available for many years. Those may have a fitting installed but no need to actually lubricate them. The recently introduced pumps for '29-'31 and '32-'34 by the Filling Station are an example. The fitting is installed to look "more original". Modern water pumps have sealed bearings. Not sure when Chevrolet began installing them on their engines. Someone better versed with post 1936 models will know.

I am reasonably sure this is the original water pump. It must be possible that several different models of water pumps were installed in 1941. There is nothing wrong with the pump, and I have not considered changing it. My question is of a general nature, based on information in the service manual that does not agree with the physical evidence. I've got a zerk, I've got a grease gun, I've got music, I've got rhythm. Who could ask for anything more?
Karl

If your grease fitting is very close to the fan pulley it probably is for the front bearing if it is close to the motor side of the pump it is for the rear bearing and the seal and will want water pump grease.
Al