Re: Water pump grease

Posted by Kevin Daly on July 08, 1998 at 14:27:01

In Reply to: Water pump grease
posted by Larry Metzgar on July 08, 1998 at 13:36:41

Larry,
That's an excellent question.I too have been wondering about this water based lubricant for some time.I know one person that uses the stuff to lubricate his whole car!
Anyway as far as the water pump is concerned, I rebuilt mine last year with a stainless shaft kit and a leakless packing nut with a neoprene insert.Other than the neoprene insert,which is hardly noticable it appears almost perfectly stock and doesn't leak a drop.I mean it NOT ONE DROP!I have read in the restorer book an article stating that the stainless steel shaft will wear out the pad inside the head faster than the original steel shaft causing excessive end play on the shaft.This can have disasterous consequences and if things start to go wrong you'll end up with a busted impeller among other possibly expensive items.The pad in my head was very worn and this was a real concern.There is a small collar with a set screw and a teflon washer combination available that when locked onto the front of the shaft behind the fan virtually eliminates all end play on the shaft regardless of the condition of the pad inside the head.I would personally highly recommend the stainless shaft rebuild kit with a leakless packing nut to anyone. If your head's pad is worn, buy the collar and washer also but make sure your fan spins freely before tightening the set screw.
Good Luck,
Kevin Daly
PS:Les Andrew's book has plans for a shaft with a collar that does basically the same thing.It may be worth the trouble if you are or know a machinist.I find the collar with the set screw and washer is fine as the fan's pully hides it completely and its relatively inexpensive.

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