Re: 1941 120 Water Pump Removal Difficulties

Posted by HH56 On 2022/7/22 9:22:20

It wouldn't hurt to loosen the two bolts that are holding the mount plate to the engin front where the rubber has compressed by a turn or two to reduce the compression and let the engine break free if the rubber has stuck to the metal. You want the yoke to stay fastened to the crossmember so it does not raise with the engine and keep the pump bolts covered.

What you do need to check for is any side stabilizing brackets fastened to the crossmember or frame. I don't believe they are used on the smaller engines but the 356 uses them on some models at one or both sides of the engine. They are positioned just behind the yoke and should be disconnected. Those I have seen are sort of like later side mounts with vulcanized rubber connecting two pieces of metal together and have very limited flexibility.

Just try for a slight upward movement of the engine -- barely enough to clear the bolt head. The main mount will not allow more than the space in the support the rubber fills which is roughly 1/8 to 1/4". Trying for any more and you might deform the pan.