Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

My water pump squeaks when the engine is cold. My mechanic says not to worry about it til it leaks.
Any comments? Yea or nea?

It's more likely to be a chirping fan belt. Try adjusting the belt tension or using a little belt dressing. Or flipping the belt over. Is it the correct size belt?

PS - if in fact it's a bearing beginning to fail, it won't last long. If your pump has a weep hole, keep an eye out for coolant loss there, a sure indicator that the seal has failed and bearing failure is imminent

Robert, I got the belt from John Urlich. It is one of his custom made ones. They are wide and stiff, a real bear to get on and off. I recall it was noisy when I had the car. Try Owen's suggestion first. The water pump was a rebuilt from either Kanter or Max, I forget which one. JWL

Thanks John. Great trivia about my car!
Noise disappears when warm so I was not worried.
I adjusted the belt but was careful not to put so much tension on it that the bearing will wear. I did that on my Mercedes and pump failed on that trip while on vacation.
I will watch the weep hole.

I am excited about my fuel sensor arriving next week. Exhaust is quiet as a mouse and with a working fuel gauge, I feel like I am getting there..

Thanks John. Great trivia about my car!
Noise disappears when warm so I was not worried.
I adjusted the belt but was careful not to put so much tension on it that the bearing will wear. I did that on my Mercedes and pump failed on that trip while on vacation.
I will watch the weep hole.

I am excited about my fuel sender arriving next week. Exhaust is quiet as a mouse and has a Beautiful finish from Bill Hirsch. And with a working fuel gauge, I feel like I am getting there..

Try a squirt or three of WD40, or rub some bath soap, on the belt while it's running and squeaking. If the squeaking stops you'll know it's the belt.

Thank you...