Re: replacing water pump packing on a 1935 eight

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2016/4/22 11:06:48

You can buy the service-type split ring packing which is advertised in Hemmings Motor News from one or more sources. But the majority of us just go to the local plumbing store and buy a roll of graphited cord pump packing; cut a couple of lengths and stuff it in, use the packing nut to form it to shape, add more and repeat if necessary. That is may fray at the ends is inconsequential when you use the packing nut to form it to the cavity. 1/4 or 1/8 packing cord is fine but must be graphited! A good packing job should be good for 50,000+ miles at the least. DO NOT overtighten the final adjustment, a drop or two of coolant every couple of hundred miles is typical of a proper adjustment - remember these are not pressure cooling systems.