Insert leak at water pump

[mill48]

Hello all. I have a question concerning a leak at the water pump insert. I just recently discovered this. Does anyone here have a solution?

[nkaminar]

A little more information and perhaps a photo would be helpful. Is this a leak proof water pump? Without knowing the details, a rebuild kit may solve the problem.

[mill48]

It's not a leakless water pump. I'll take a picture in a bit.

[DJ S]

Are you referring to the interference between the bushing and the casting?

[mill48]

No, I'm talking about the grease insert on the left of the water pump. I can't seem to upload a pic from my pc.

[Joe K]

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The grease "zerk" (not really as a Zerk is a different device from the Model A appliance) normally is brass and has a "cap" to prevent water from making its way out the fitting.

The Model A didn't originally use grease Zerks. Instead on the Model A they're technically known as an "alemite fitting" and relies on your "push" to hold the grease gun sealed against the fitting.

IIRC, Alemite is the earlier system used on the Model A. The same producer later adopted the "Zerk" type as production too. This confusing the marketplace as to normal nomenclature.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grease_fitting#History

The patent for the Zerk fitting was granted to Oscar U. Zerk in January 1929, and the assignee was the Alemite Manufacturing Corporation.[1] Alemite had already been marketing, since 1919,[2] ball check valves to accept grease supplied under pressure from a grease gun, such as for car and truck chassis lubrication points, both for OEM installations and for aftermarket upgrade kits which would screw in as replacements for stock grease cups, but Zerk's fitting was an improved style, less vulnerable to dirt and more forgiving of angled approach. Today, many companies make these grease fittings.

Many who have "rebuilt" the pumps use a modern actual "Zerk" which you can tell by the rounded ball that your grease gun clicks onto. There may be an original advantage in that no cap is needed - until your grease carries a grain of dirt into the fitting which reduces the ability of the Zerk fitting to act as "check valve."

You might try replacing the Zerk with a new Zerk, or maybe retrench and go back to the original cap type Alemite fitting. If this, then you may need two grease guns, or a "conversion" tip which does exist.

Imagine having the name "Zerk" as your surname?

Joe K

[1crosscut]

If your zerk has the cap then try cutting a small piece of innertube the same diameter of the cap and place it in the cap so when tightened down it presses against the zerk and seals the end of it. You may need two pieces to get it thick enough.