Re: 1936 Water Pump swap out?? 2 other questions as well

Posted by flackmaster On 2010/9/15 9:19:11

Depending on your level of frustration with the "old style" water pump, two things you need to know - first is the packing is designed to leak a little, thats how the shaft stays lubricated - remember the old "water pump lube" additive. Now there are better aqueous additives, but the point is the same. And be darn sure to keep the oil reservoirs full. Now, to answer your question the answer is pretty much NO, unless you have your engine out, or are really talented. Option 1 - modify the holes in the block to accept the 39-47 pump. Can be done, best done by your engine/machine shop. Not a driveway/garage project. Option 2 - find a replacement early style waterpump with a sealed bearing shaft. NOT a Packard OEM pump - I have one and there is no indication as to who made it, sorry. Option 3 - assuming you would rather throw your pump at the barking dog next door, buy a "rebuilt" pump from a certain supplier that offers a lifetime guarantee and hope for the best. Keep your wrenches handy.
That said, I have experience with thousands of miles in several of these cars with the early style pump. My best advice is to really understand the pump, packing (different styles, this is KEY), old graphite style seems to wear in better than newer teflon style that requires better machining..., and be the one who tightens the pump nut shortly after the packing "wears in" or "settles in". Most rebuilders have gotten away from rebuilding these old style pumps - not because they are not capable - but because the expectation of bolting it on and forgetting about it is inconsistant with the design of the pump.