Re: Water pump shaft info

Posted by Jim/KB1MCV On 2019/9/8 19:38:44

Crin, when properly rebuilt your pump should last many miles/years.

The shaft needs to be dead smooth and the packing carefully taken up. If the packing is over-tightened the gland can overheat quickly scoring the shaft. In most applications an occasional drip is to be expected.

The traditional shaft material is tool steel.
Possibly technology has advanced to where some flavor of stainless steel is better.

Checking the water pump for leaks should be part of your underhood inspection.

The surface speed of that shaft is considerable and as normal RPM of the engines increased over the years and cooling systems became pressurized, it became more difficult to maintain the pump without leaks. I suspect the introduction of permanent anti-freeze may have also played a part in the introduction of lip and later ceramic seals.

Good luck.