Re: 1938 Super 8 coolant leak

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2013/4/11 10:40:32

It's a pretty simple and basic water pump and it's internals are illustrated in the 1937-38 Shop Manual which is probably available on this site. There are two places for leakage. First, there is a large copper "O" ring gasket that goes between the pump body and the engine block; it is designed that way as the pump body is rotated as an eccentric to adjust the fan belts. Possibly the five bolts holding the pump top the block via the copper O ring are loose, just tighten. Or if broken, it is available as a new part from any of the major Packard vendors and is I believe the same part# all the way back to the early 30s. The second and more likely source of the leak is the shaft packing. It's simple graphite cord or graphite split ring packing and is adjusted with the gland nut. If there is enough packing left, just tighten the gland nut a bit but remember it should be allowed to make the occasional drip - that's what lubricates the shaft. If you need new packing, new split rings are available but honestly it's just a lot easier to go to the plumbing supply store and buy some small diameter graphited cord packing, clean out the cavity and repack it. One spool of packing cord will last several lifetimes. The replacement of the packing is most easily done with the pump removed which is a good time to check the condition of the ball bearings and if they need replacement they are common bearings available at any bearing store, or at extra cost from any of the major Packard vendors. They were originally open bearings and lubricated via the oiler and a felt oil packing, and with seals. But most times folks just opt for sealed bearings so they can neglect the oiler.


I guess, being a 1938 you can't determine the vehicle number as the decal has deteriorated?