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Joe K · 02-09-2013, 04:09 PM

THIS is an aftermarket water pump seal. Seemingly held by a shaft collar. Likely the rubber lip seal is finally kaput and you've blown your water pump.

The solution is rebuild the pump. Pretty cheaply done if you want to buy the parts kit from many of the Model A vendors. Think less than $40 for all new parts INCLUDING the aforementioned "star packing nut." (This actually a packing gland with it's external arranged to take a spanner wrench - although most Model A folks frequently use a screwdrive to "pry" the gland tighter.)

You can buy completed pumps in original style that are around $90 now. Or a "deluxe" pump incorporating a modern lip seal and bearings for around $150. But nothing beats the pleasure in doing your own pump, which can be done pretty easily once the radiator is removed and the four bolts undone.

And despite the improvements in "modern" pumps, the original design was perfectly adequate. I have done both.

Good luck with this. If you can get some more pix of your aftermarket pump as you disassemble, we would all appreciate it. Knowing the Model A is not only knowing how it came from Ford, but also knowing all about the "other" stuff.

It's AMAZING how many things were "improved" on the Model A in the aftermarket.

Joe K

02-09-2013, 04:09 PM	#2
Joe K Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Cow Hampshire Posts: 4,612	Re: Star packing nut on water pump THIS is an aftermarket water pump seal. Seemingly held by a shaft collar. Likely the rubber lip seal is finally kaput and you've blown your water pump. The solution is rebuild the pump. Pretty cheaply done if you want to buy the parts kit from many of the Model A vendors. Think less than $40 for all new parts INCLUDING the aforementioned "star packing nut." (This actually a packing gland with it's external arranged to take a spanner wrench - although most Model A folks frequently use a screwdrive to "pry" the gland tighter.) You can buy completed pumps in original style that are around $90 now. Or a "deluxe" pump incorporating a modern lip seal and bearings for around $150. But nothing beats the pleasure in doing your own pump, which can be done pretty easily once the radiator is removed and the four bolts undone. And despite the improvements in "modern" pumps, the original design was perfectly adequate. I have done both. Good luck with this. If you can get some more pix of your aftermarket pump as you disassemble, we would all appreciate it. Knowing the Model A is not only knowing how it came from Ford, but also knowing all about the "other" stuff. It's AMAZING how many things were "improved" on the Model A in the aftermarket. Joe K __________________ Shudda kept the horse.