Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

what is the normal pressure of the collant system on a 55/56 v8?

and would that be the same pressure exerted on the water pump?

reason i ask...i may have found a replacment shaft seal, but i need to know what pressure it needs to hold.

thanks,

Hank

Excluding subtle local effects that might occur such as cavitation from an impeller, pressure should be equal in all locations within the system as determined by the rating of the radiator cap.

But remember it's psi, pounds per square inch, so to know the total force exerted on a surface you'd have to know the surface area.

At least I think I'm right on this.

the specs just say up to 75 psi on the seal.

it is 1 7/16 wide for the housing and 5/8 for the shaft and 3/4 tall just like the original type seal.

here is the seal.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FLOWSERVE-Mechanical-Pump-Shaft-Seal-1R324?Pid=search

this is the high end version with VITON material, carbon washer and all stainless including the seat. the seat is press fit on the shaft as well, so you would push the seal in the housing...then press the seat on the shaft till the seal is loaded enough, then put on your impeller. then you don't have to worry about a not perfect impeller to seat surface. the stainless steel seat is smooth.

it is a bit pricey, but like i said they have lower versions made of other materials, like Buna rubber etc.

buna goes up to 225 F and VITON goes to 400 F

they have molded rubber washer, but i think the original is carbon.

anyways, i may buy one later on to test and if good then we will have a replacement and the job is done.

here it is for 19.98

http://www.zorotools.com/g/00060088/k-G2433557?utm_source=google_shopping&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=Google_Shopping_Feed

here is the cheaper buna version. not sure it will last though not having a carbon washer and only going to 225 F

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/FLOWSERVE-Mechanical-Pump-Shaft-Seal-1R306?Pid=search


Hank

I won't get into the pressure part as others are more qualified but I would go with the 400 degree as a safety factor. 225 is a bit close for my comfort even if conservatively rated.

One question I have is Grainger because they have a lot of great stuff. Used to be a wholesaler to businesses with resale number only place but I see a cart so do they sell to ordinary mortals now?

yes they do and you can pick it up in your local Grainger store. i have 4 near me ;0)

one thing i was thinking too.....the seal is behind the impeller which is taking much of the brunt of the pressure, so i'm sure it would be fine....but i'm no expert either.

i agree with the temp statement as well, but that begs the question.....what was the originals from 60 years ago made from, Buna??? couldn't be anything really special like the VITON by dupont.

also this zorotools website seems pretty awesome. you just find what you want and plug in your measurements and it will give you a list. like for bearings, etc...etc..etc..

Hank

Whatever the seals are they are obviously readily available somewhere as Gould alone does these pumps routinely, not to mention Terrill and others. Some earlier water pumps, after the graphite ring era, used carbon seals.

after talking with Terrill, i have a suspicion this is pretty close to the seal they are using to rebuild.

and if anyone wants the one he uses...he said he would sell it to me for around 10 bucks. so just call to get one.

i don't want to run off any business, because i hear they do great work, but i just like a good mystery so i dove in.

and even though i get bummed when i mess up, i don't give up easily. i like to do things myself.

Hank

The spec for 55-56 is 11-13 psi so a modern over the counter 14 psi cap should work.

However, if you do the radiator do inquire as to getting a hot climate core because the standard radiator is pretty small.