water pumps
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 764
Likes: 13
From: Harvard MA
L-79 water pump noise at high rpm (5K+)
Is there anything special about a 66 L-79 water pump or can I just get a replacement from any parts store? Is there a superior product out there? Mine doesn't leak, but it seems like it is the source of a "waterpump noise" at 5K+ RPM. Mine has some play in the shaft if I move it with my hand. I feel some play in the fan clutch too, maybe that is where the noise is coming from. Any advice?
[Modified by brucep, 1:45 AM 5/12/2003]
[Modified by brucep, 1:47 AM 5/12/2003]
[Modified by brucep, 1:45 AM 5/12/2003]
[Modified by brucep, 1:47 AM 5/12/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: L-79 water pump noise at high rpm (brucep)
I am using a 73 SB waterpump that has a reinforced casting and larger bearings. With A-C, I would crack the casting open with every power shift while the compressor was on. After cracking 5 rebuilt GM pumps at two year intervals, I switched to the later design. It required some junk yard shopping for a pulley with a larger hole in a larger flat face, but it was worth it. That was 4 to 5 years ago and the Autozone $29 new pump is fine. :cool:
PS: The noise may be a hard (old) belt. I was listening to my current pump with a stethoscope, believing I had a bearing noise - even though the bearing felt smooth. I thoufht I'd try the belt first (even though it looked good) since I rate the water pump job as a back breaking pita on an A-C car. It WAS the belt. I got rid of my clutch years ago - when it bent a 30 degree angle and killed the shroud. I have seen that happen to NCRS C2s on road tour - and one where it took out the 427 brass radiator on a (trying for Duntov) 67 roadster. I use a stainles flex fan - no clutch.
[Modified by magicv8, 8:04 AM 5/12/2003]
PS: The noise may be a hard (old) belt. I was listening to my current pump with a stethoscope, believing I had a bearing noise - even though the bearing felt smooth. I thoufht I'd try the belt first (even though it looked good) since I rate the water pump job as a back breaking pita on an A-C car. It WAS the belt. I got rid of my clutch years ago - when it bent a 30 degree angle and killed the shroud. I have seen that happen to NCRS C2s on road tour - and one where it took out the 427 brass radiator on a (trying for Duntov) 67 roadster. I use a stainles flex fan - no clutch.
[Modified by magicv8, 8:04 AM 5/12/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 2
From: The Garden Spot of the Garden State
Re: L-79 water pump noise at high rpm (brucep)
....a new pump is a new pump...just stay away from the "hi volume pumps" and you'll be fine...i have new gm pumps on my cars and the only problem is the sb pump is a 3/4" input shaft, requiring mods to the pulley hole
