Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

My water pump does not look the same as what is in the 1935-1941 parts list book. It looks like the pump is inside the engine block. The threaded bushing that the fan shaft goes through is stripped, it would be helpful to see a diagram of the engine so I can tell how big a job it is to replace the threaded bushing.

???? what model are you working on?, the 120 pump is completely different from the senior pump, visually, however the technology is the same. the packing nut can only be replaced by disassembling the pump, but you know that...

When you say the pump body seems to be inside the block, it's apparent you have a senior car, and Eight or Super Eight. Pretty simple matter to remove the pump. Remove the fan blades, drain the cooling system, loosen the 5 nuts on the pentagonal retaining ring, rotate the pump body to slacken the fan belt(s), remove the belts, and then the pump body.

If the packing nut is stripped, you shouldn't have too much trouble finding a used one, or try Byron York in CT for a new one. Assuming the shaft, impellor and mating threads in the body are OK, you just need new packing. You can either buy the original split ring packing, or just pack the cavity with graphited industrial packing cord and tighten the packing nut to form it into the cavity. It may require some further tightening after the pump has been in service for a few miles, but don't overtighten, an occasional drop from the packing is expected. But while your pump is apart you might want to inspect the two ball bearings. They are very common numbers as are the seals, readily available, and you can replace the bearings with open bearings as the originals and again rely on the seals, or you can buy sealed bearings and just put the seals in for show. All in all, a pretty easy job but do also check the shaft for galling which will make short life of the new packing if it's bad. If you need one, any good machine shop can make one, don't have it made of stainless, go for tool steel.

O-D: I recently obtained a 37 Su8 water pump. I have learned it more important to have parts rebuilt and ready than cores on the shelf, and have a proposal from a well know rebuilder in the Northwest to overhaul for $195 "with a real seal". My question is, is this a reasonable price?

G'day rennenga,

Your first post, so welcome to Packardinfo a great Site. Could you please include your '35 Eight/Super Eight in the Owner Registry together with a pic, any known history and how you came to acquire the car?
Again -

And David(flackmaster),

I've just realised I haven't asked you to do the same. So could you please include your Packard/s in the Owner Registry together with pic's, any known histories and how you came to acquire the cars?

proposal from a well know rebuilder in the Northwest to overhaul for $195 "with a real seal". My question is, is this a reasonable price?

Not a real easy question to answer, especially in that for me, locating the various parts and doing it myself is part of the fun. But if you don't have the talent or inclination to do it yourself, then you're going to have to go to a rebuilder. If your pump has a scored or galled shaft and the price includes a new shaft, I'd say $195 isn't unreasonable. If all you need is some packing and a packing nut, two inexpensive ball bearings and seals, I'd say it's a bit excessive. Assuming you want to send it out, why not get a price from Gould Rebuilders? 631-269-0093 in Kings Park, NY.

....now why didn't I think of that? I've known Arthur forever...I guess I didn't think he did the packing style pumps. I will check and report back. Thx.

You'll find that Art is pretty much in retirement though I understand he comes into the shop occasionally. I forget the name of the fellow he sold the business to, Williamson or something like that. I've had several fuel and water pumps done since the changeover and the workmanship etc. remains at the same high level it did with Art Gould.

Thank's for the information it was very helpful, I thought the radiator would have to be pulled, did not want to do that. I got this car from my wife's grandfather when he died & unfortunately all the info on this car is with him. Now that I have the pump off I can see that the casting is cracked around the packing nut/threaded bushing. Any suggestions who I should go to for a new one? Gould Rebuilders?