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I am trying to r&r the water pump on my 50 288 ci engine. It seems that the front motor mount has 'slipped' up to block the removal of the two bottom water pump mounting bolts. I cannot get an open end wrench to 'bite' on the bolt head enough to remove the bolts. Any good ideas?

I believe others have used a jack to lift the engine slightly. Some have used the jack and block of wood positioned under the vibration damper and others have been able to position the wood and jack under the pan just rear of the cross member to lift the engine sufficiently. Under the pan might need a bit more wood on each side to pick up at the bolt locations at the edges. IIRC, the pan is curved slightly so best not to put pressure in the middle.

Bob, it is very common with the upside down U engine support to have to jack up the engine slightly to get to the bolts. Terrill Machine in DeLeon is a good source to rebuild the water pump for you.

Thanks for the tip, I jacked up the engine just as you mentioned and it gave me clearance to remove the bolts. Got the replacement w/p installed in a snap! I'm sure glad that I didn't have to tear apart the front of the car just to get to a couple of bolts

I had the same experience with my 23rd Series. After I jacked up the engine and got the bolts out I did 2 more things to improve the situation:
1. I replaced the motor mount with new fresh rubber from Steele Rubber Products
2. I used socket head bolts for the ones impossible to grip with a box wrench.

With all that the car will be easier to work on 20 years from now.

Fred, well done