I guess I left out the part where when I called in reinforcements for assistance, he knew that the pulley was removable from the pump shaft and got that off as well as the belt and then the pump was removed. I would never have figured that out since I had not read that anywheres and because my big concern is always breaking something and making the job into an even bigger project.

In my reading of other posts in this forum from those working in that space, I picked up the pointer that I need to use cardboard in front of the radiator and had that in place and still do.

My father always used shellac but my buddy with a Model A uses RTV. That's what made me pose the question. Having access to all the Packard owners out there that are much better at mechanical work than me is a confidence booster and helps me to save a few bucks along the way. As always, I am grateful for all the input.

Back from vacation and almost ready to reinstall the water pump and hoses as well as put in a new thermostat. It’s been a long time since I was on hand for this process so I would like to just cover my bases by asking should I be using some kind of sealer or shellac for the gaskets or hose attachment points? I have removed the old gaskets and emoried the machined surfaces on the block and head.

Chris, I would be interested in what your learn about getting it repaired. Could you drop me a note when you know unless you don’t mind putting it out here.

I think I saw Max Merrit had rebuilt when I was looking to price a replacement for my '41. Some prior mechanic wedged a bolt in the connector to the unit to keep the shutters open on mine. But then, it is a Florida car.

The fan belt is in good shape so I won't be needing to take it off this time although I am sure this engine mount repair looms somewhere down the road. I did have to call in reinforcements in the form of a friend who is much more experienced and much more fearless about doing all things mechanical. With his aid we got the belt off the pulleys and the water pump out. Hopefully it will all be going back together after I get back from vacation.

So in that case, should I normally be expecting something akin to the Chevy belt referenced earlier, and that the fan belt should easily slide over one of the pulleys without having to try removing the water pump pulley or the generator?

OK, I thought I could do this without asking how, but nothing is easy. I am trying to get the fan belt off the pulleys on the '41 180 so I can replace the water pump. The fan blade is off and the generator has been slid as close to the block as it will go. The belt is definitely loose, but not loose enough to flop off the generator or water pump pulley. I am not looking to replace the fan belt, just get it off the pulleys. From what I have read in other posts, I realize I may have to raise the engine somewhat when I get to unbolting the water pump, but I don't think that is necessary for this step of getting the belt off. Is there any suggestion anyone can offer? When I do this on my '74 Chevy V8, loosening up the alternator gives more than enough slack to just flop the belt out with no problem. Please don't tell me I need to remove the generator.

The plug came out easily enough. So easily that I got a sleeve full of coolant up my coveralls. I wonder if a drain cock will fit in in place of the plug.

I got the fan blade off. Not much working room there so I am wondering how on Earth am I going to get those screws started when I go to put it back on. Also, the upper radiator hose had to come off in order to get the fan out of the engine compartment.

I was able to get the lower back bolt on the generator loosened so I was able to get a little slack in the fan belt with a little bit of prying so I was able to turn the fan to get to each of the bolts holding it on. I don't see how I can possibly get anything on the front bolt to allow more slack so I can get it off the pulleys. I'll be back at it in a few days.

If I am understanding correctly (I may not be) are you saying to try and remove the inner screw with the hex head?

I will put some penetrating oil on it and let it sit for a day or two. I have to go buy a ratcheting wrench anyways to get to the fan bolts and not scar up the radiator fins.

Next pondering- looks like I will have to loosen the generator to get slack in the fan belt. Top bolt is easily accessible and loosened without much ado. Looks like the bottom one will be more difficult to get to.

Boy oh boy, am I finding with every little bit of maintenance that I plan to or attempt to do on this Senior car, that it is waaay different than on the pretty easy and straightforward ‘37 Six. Rather than just tear things apart willy nilly and start wrenching on things I don’t have to, I’m going to ask some pretty obvious questions to protect my car from me. Please bear with me. My first question is in regard to the radiator drain. Is the circled item the radiator drain? There is all sorts of shielding around the bottom front of the car and hopefully I won’t have to take it off. Also, if this is the drain, it would appear that there is an Allen head set screw down the middle. Do I need to do anything there?

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