The Ford Barn

1965 Mustang · 08-01-2025, 07:35 PM

How do you get the water pump packing nut to move forward to install packing? With the water pump installed on the engine the nut just spins and spins on the shaft but will not move forward no matter how long I move the nut counter clockwise. The shaft remains stationary. if I removed the whole water pump I could probably figure it out, but I don't want to remove the radiator again. Thanks

Y-Blockhead · 08-01-2025, 08:10 PM

Is the bushing spinning in the pump housing with the packing nut? That is the only scenario I can think of why the packing nut will not back off.

Marshall V. Daut · 08-01-2025, 08:33 PM

If the bushing is not spinning as Y-Blockhead suggests, use a long angle tip pry bar and place the tip behind the back of the packing nut. Then pry it forward. using the pump housing as a fulcrum. Be sure to clean off old grease, rust or crud from the shaft immediately in front of the packing nut. Any or all of these can keep the packing nut from moving forward when you want it to.
Marshall

1965 Mustang · 08-01-2025, 09:48 PM

Yes I noticed that the bushing / collar behind the nut is spinning.
Probably got messed up by previously over tightening the packing nut.
I suppose the only solution is to remove the water pump to deal with it.
(most likely have to get a new water pump) Thanks

CT Jack · 08-01-2025, 10:08 PM

If you remove the hood, 2 cowl rods, and top radiator hose you should be able to move the radiator forward by tipping it enough to allow removing pump. Replace the 4 pump studs with A-8501- MBM mounting studs. This will allow removing the pump in the future without having to move the radiator.

J Franklin · 08-01-2025, 10:22 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

The bushing can be anchored with LockTite. Buy the one for bushings. You won't need another pump.

nkaminar · 08-02-2025, 04:07 AM

Although it is nice to have a leakless one.

Y-Blockhead · 08-02-2025, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar

Although it is nice to have a leakless one.

Until they leak while on the road.

08-01-2025, 07:35 PM	#1
1965 Mustang Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Rochester WA Posts: 37	Water pump packing nut removal How do you get the water pump packing nut to move forward to install packing? With the water pump installed on the engine the nut just spins and spins on the shaft but will not move forward no matter how long I move the nut counter clockwise. The shaft remains stationary. if I removed the whole water pump I could probably figure it out, but I don't want to remove the radiator again. Thanks

08-01-2025, 08:10 PM	#2
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 6,649	Re: Water pump packing nut removal Is the bushing spinning in the pump housing with the packing nut? That is the only scenario I can think of why the packing nut will not back off.

08-01-2025, 08:33 PM	#3
Marshall V. Daut Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Davenport, Iowa Posts: 2,627	Re: Water pump packing nut removal If the bushing is not spinning as Y-Blockhead suggests, use a long angle tip pry bar and place the tip behind the back of the packing nut. Then pry it forward. using the pump housing as a fulcrum. Be sure to clean off old grease, rust or crud from the shaft immediately in front of the packing nut. Any or all of these can keep the packing nut from moving forward when you want it to. Marshall

08-01-2025, 09:48 PM	#4
1965 Mustang Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Rochester WA Posts: 37	Re: Water pump packing nut removal Yes I noticed that the bushing / collar behind the nut is spinning. Probably got messed up by previously over tightening the packing nut. I suppose the only solution is to remove the water pump to deal with it. (most likely have to get a new water pump) Thanks

08-01-2025, 10:08 PM	#5
CT Jack Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Hebron, CT Posts: 537	Re: Water pump packing nut removal If you remove the hood, 2 cowl rods, and top radiator hose you should be able to move the radiator forward by tipping it enough to allow removing pump. Replace the 4 pump studs with A-8501- MBM mounting studs. This will allow removing the pump in the future without having to move the radiator.

08-01-2025, 10:22 PM	#6
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 6,370	Re: Water pump packing nut removal Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The bushing can be anchored with LockTite. Buy the one for bushings. You won't need another pump.

08-02-2025, 04:07 AM	#7
nkaminar Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Western North Carolina Posts: 5,869	Re: Water pump packing nut removal Although it is nice to have a leakless one. __________________ A is for apple, green as the sky. Step on the gas, for tomorrow I die. Forget the brakes, they really don't work. The clutch always sticks, and starts with a jerk. My car grows red hair, and flies through the air. Driving's a blast, a blast from the past.