1971 Vette problems
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
1971 Vette problems
I just bought a beautiful 71 convertible vette 30000 original miles both tops and I'm on day 3 of driving it home 2150 miles KY to CA. The water pump is leaking and I'm wondering if I can just put a new one in or do I have to have the original one rebuilt to keep it a numbers matching original vette? The A/C works but the blower/fan won't work when I move the fan switch from left to right. Any thoughts on why the fan won't work, fuse? bad fan? Thanks for your answers, Mike Lint, Sacramento.
Last edited by Michael Lint; Jul 3, 2013 at 05:49 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
The water pumps on a small block 350 are fairly easy to replace in about 1 hr of labor and do not require too many tools can be done in a parking lot for about $100 bucks of parts and fluids. A shop will probably charge about $200 bucks parts and labor. If I were driving cross country I would get it fixed soon as possible.
You do not have to worry about parts numbers matching on this part at all.
You do not have to worry about parts numbers matching on this part at all.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
If I am understanding you correctly the blower does not work on high. There is a separate power line from the horn relay (located in the engine bay on the driver side wheel well) that runs to the blower relay the line is orange with a inline fuse the fuse should be close to the horn relay. That may be the problem.
Early Shark may have you answer if the blower is not working at all. Something else to look at is the purple wire leading to the blower motor..is it lose or corroded?
Early Shark may have you answer if the blower is not working at all. Something else to look at is the purple wire leading to the blower motor..is it lose or corroded?
Last edited by Roco71; Jul 3, 2013 at 10:18 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 926
Likes: 2
From: Castle Rock CO
Will the blower motor work without the A/C on? If this car truly has only about 30000 miles on it then I would like others suggested look at the electric contacts as others suggested not only at the switch but also at the blower motor.
Cars sitting for long periods of time such as this low milage car in humidity like Kentucky will corrode. Many times you can just wiggle and remove the contacts and spray them with electric contact cleaner to remove the corrosion.
Cars sitting for long periods of time such as this low milage car in humidity like Kentucky will corrode. Many times you can just wiggle and remove the contacts and spray them with electric contact cleaner to remove the corrosion.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
Dont worry, this works
Don't worry about the water pump leaking....Unless the casting is broken you can survive the trip by filling with water and leaving the radiator cap loose on the first notch...as a result there will not be any pressure build up and forcing the fluid from the engine.....You can watch the temp gauge and check the levels at every gas stop......This worked on two occasions
From school {Miami} to Dearborn, 1450 miles in the 62 Vette....4000 RPM`s {70 MPH} and higher.....
From San Jose to Dearborn {2500 miles} in my 57 Bird with a crack in the pump casting....I just pressed on the gas both times and never looked back.....through Nevada across the desert, sometimes speeds of 100 +
From school {Miami} to Dearborn, 1450 miles in the 62 Vette....4000 RPM`s {70 MPH} and higher.....
From San Jose to Dearborn {2500 miles} in my 57 Bird with a crack in the pump casting....I just pressed on the gas both times and never looked back.....through Nevada across the desert, sometimes speeds of 100 +
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,160
Likes: 4,241
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mike,
You may want to keep your original pump to have it re-built.
The pumps have a casting number on them that indicates what year they are appropriate for. Perhaps 3991399 for a 71 sb, or one of several different numbers for a 71 bb.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
You may want to keep your original pump to have it re-built.
The pumps have a casting number on them that indicates what year they are appropriate for. Perhaps 3991399 for a 71 sb, or one of several different numbers for a 71 bb.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,114
From: Crossville TN
A leaky water pump is usually due to shaft seal wear. If it's not leaking badly, carry a 2 liter bottle of water with you 'just-in-case'. Whenever you stop long enough to let the engine cool, check the water and add some if needed (remember that there is no expansion tank, so the water should only be added to the fill line on the radiator tank).
If it starts leaking badly...or gives out altogether...have it changed. Otherwise, "keep on truckin'".
One thing for sure: When you finish a 2000 mile ride in an old car, you will know where ALL the trouble spots are.
P.S. The blower problem is either a switch-related issue or the blower resistor pack needs to be replaced.
If it starts leaking badly...or gives out altogether...have it changed. Otherwise, "keep on truckin'".
One thing for sure: When you finish a 2000 mile ride in an old car, you will know where ALL the trouble spots are.
P.S. The blower problem is either a switch-related issue or the blower resistor pack needs to be replaced.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
A leaky water pump is usually due to shaft seal wear. If it's not leaking badly, carry a 2 liter bottle of water with you 'just-in-case'. Whenever you stop long enough to let the engine cool, check the water and add some if needed (remember that there is no expansion tank, so the water should only be added to the fill line on the radiator tank).
If it starts leaking badly...or gives out altogether...have it changed. Otherwise, "keep on truckin'".
One thing for sure: When you finish a 2000 mile ride in an old car, you will know where ALL the trouble spots are.
P.S. The blower problem is either a switch-related issue or the blower resistor pack needs to be replaced.
If it starts leaking badly...or gives out altogether...have it changed. Otherwise, "keep on truckin'".
One thing for sure: When you finish a 2000 mile ride in an old car, you will know where ALL the trouble spots are.
P.S. The blower problem is either a switch-related issue or the blower resistor pack needs to be replaced.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 646
Likes: 17
From: Hendersonville NC
If you lived close to me I would buy you a drink when I saw you. You are a brave man to buy a 42 year old car and drive it across the USA my hat goes off to you. I did drive mine to the Corvette homecoming in BG in 2009 but that was less than 400 miles one way.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 134
From: Bushkill Twp. PA
St. Jude Donor '17
I get nervous driving 30 miles to work