Play in water pump shaft

[bigd1101]

Hi guys, the water pump on the 28 has about a 1/2 in of play when running. The shaft slides back and forth and makes a clicking sound as it turns. Is this normal?

[WHN]

That’s one of the reasons we replaced our orginal pump with a leakless. 25 years of trouble free driving, no leaks or drips. Inside of engine compartment stays clean. Enjoy.

[Ray in La Mesa]

No, it's not normal. End play should only be a few thousands, you could loose the fan through the radiator if something breaks. Fix it or replace it.

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

You can buy a lock collar from the venders, and that will keep it from moving backwards. If the pump moves too far forwards, then you’ll need to rebuild or replace. They are easy to do.
The most work is probably getting it out of the car if all is stock.

[bigd1101]

It's got way too much play. I just ordered a new pump. Rumor has it I'll have to remove the radiator and shroud?

[bigd1101]

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Just read my Les Andrews repair book.......looks like I'm home free. I have the two blade fan! I just need to remove the hood and the radiator supports and tilt the radiator forward just enough to remove the old pump.......thank God. I did not want to remove the who deal that's for sure......

[darrylkmc]

Be sure to check the location on the Impeller on the shaft.

Many years ago l purchased a Leakless water pump kit, a couple years ago l decided to use it. The shaft moved back and forth quite a lot. I took it apart and compared the location of the impeller to an original, it was off by a large amount. Put it in my press and adjusted it correctly, it now has very little thrust. This impeller was Not pinned.

Darryl in Fairbanks

[bigd1101]

I just bought a stock water pump like the one on the car. I would assume they are all "leak-less" when new, LOL! I'm 66 and will drive the car a few hundred miles a year so the new pump should outlast me


Don

[Bob C]

With as much end play you have the stop in the head is probably worn so be
sure to install a collar on the new pump as it will probably have to much play also.


Bob

[WHN]

Originally Posted by bigd1101

I just bought a stock water pump like the one on the car. I would assume they are all "leak-less" when new, LOL! I'm 66 and will drive the car a few hundred miles a year so the new pump should outlast me


Don

There is a difference between leakless and orginal style water pumps.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

You can pick up a two piece shaft collar at most any hardware store. These can be installed without removing the water pump. Cheap fix.

[Cool Hand Lurker]

Here is a photo.

[redmodelt]

The thrust washer between the impeller and casting may be gone adding to amount of end play.
The 2 piece might be ok except, there would be no way to install the plastic thrust washer between it and the bearing. the thrust washer keeps the metal to metal contact from happening.

[bigd1101]

Originally Posted by Bob C

With as much end play you have the stop in the head is probably worn so be
sure to install a collar on the new pump as it will probably have to much play also.


Bob

Bob, where does that collar actually go?

[bigd1101]

Originally Posted by WHN

There is a difference between leakless and orginal style water pumps.

And that would be?

[bigd1101]

Originally Posted by Cool Hand Lurker

You can pick up a two piece shaft collar at most any hardware store. These can be installed without removing the water pump. Cheap fix.

So I would need two correct? Both on the exposed shaft at each end? Shouldn't effect the balance right?

[WHN]

Originally Posted by bigd1101

And that would be?

Take a look at Mac’s or another suppliers catalog. They will give you the benefits info, no packing, real bearings, greaseless front fitting or greaseless fittings. The leakless are about 25% more. I would recommend the leakless with the real rear grease fitting. Will help keep your engine compartment much cleaner.

Also, don’t forget to check your fan blade once it has been removed. Look for cracks, bends, rust, whatever. The suppliers offer a correct new aluminum fan that works great. You don’t want to lose a fan blade at speed. Makes a mess in you engine compartment and could do a number on the hood. I have been there. Enjoy.

[bigd1101]

I'll install the collar ring on the shaft and the directions say just behind the fan and you pull the shaft out before setting the collar just enough so a minute end play can be achieved. That should fix the shaft play problem when I install the new pump. Flushing the radiator out with vinegar too which I've done on a few old cars and trucks with good results. Some say to leave it over night after driving with it in, but I was always worried about what it would do to the head gasket seal. Any concern on that thought??


Don

[marty in Ohio]

bigd1101,
If you are going to pull the old water pump without removing the radiator, cut a piece of heavy cardboard to cover the engine side of the radiator. When the pump pops out it could puncture the core without the cardboard protector.
Marty

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Originally Posted by bigd1101

I'll install the collar ring on the shaft and the directions say just behind the fan and you pull the shaft out before setting the collar just enough so a minute end play can be achieved. That should fix the shaft play problem when I install the new pump. Flushing the radiator out with vinegar too which I've done on a few old cars and trucks with good results. Some say to leave it over night after driving with it in, but I was always worried about what it would do to the head gasket seal. Any concern on that thought??


Don

Hi Don, I did a couple of years off and on flushing rust using white vinegar and using thermoflush treatments by putting it my coolant and running it in my A. Left it in for a week driving it everyday. Then flushing/backflushing after every treatment. Have a newer leakless water pump, seems OK. Head gasket was bad before starting, but when head was removed, best I could tell the gasket damage occurred before treating. My experience, will not say others would not have issues. If concerned there are treatments like thermocure and others that are safe for all materials, only active on rust/scale.


Probably safest is to remove the Water pump, block the water pump block opening, treat separately, but I was lazy and did not want to do it this way.


If using running it in the A method, best to filter the upper radiator hose to keep stuff from the block blocking up the radiator. I've heard panty hose in the hose at the Motor block works great. I used a commercially available filter.


If concerned there are treatments like thermocure and others that are safe for all materials, only active on rust/scale. White vinegar works an and is inexpensive compared to products like thermocure.



Bigd1101 - In case you do not know, after the White Vinegar treatment, flush with baking soda/water to neutralize the remnants of vinegar.