SB--Water Pump--Question ??? 3/8 dowel ???
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
SB--Water Pump--Question ??? 3/8 dowel ???
I'm sure everyone has seen this 3/8 x 1"dowel rod in the box with the new or rebuilt water pump."When I dont see it I go looking for it."Several times I have found it in the lower hole on the pump on the inlet side.Which makes me wonder "if" some people install the pump with this "plug" in place.What is it for?Is it for another application on a small block.What will it do if it is installed on a Corvette?Will it hurt anything?Could it be some of the problems people are having trying to keep their engines cool ?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by dwncchs
I'm sure everyone has seen this 3/8 x 1"dowel rod in the box with the new or rebuilt water pump."When I dont see it I go looking for it."Several times I have found it in the lower hole on the pump on the inlet side.Which makes me wonder "if" some people install the pump with this "plug" in place.What is it for?Is it for another application on a small block.What will it do if it is installed on a Corvette?Will it hurt anything?Could it be some of the problems people are having trying to keep their engines cool ?
I've never heard of this before. I really don't understand the idea behind plugging up one of the holes. I'd like to know more too.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by Durango_boy
I've never heard of this before. I really don't understand the idea behind plugging up one of the holes. I'd like to know more too.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by dwncchs
Have you seen this plug or dowel?
No. I usually buy my waterpumps online, new. I have never noticed a pin or dowel included. I imagine someone here has though.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,770
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From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
My replacement water pump came with the plug. If I remember correctly the instructions said the plug was for the small "by-pass" hole on the passenger side of the pump and block. It was to be installed if a by-pass hose was used from the top of the pump to the intake manifold. The pump also came with a screw plug to seal the top of the pump if the hose style by-pass was not used.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Originally Posted by Sky65
My replacement water pump came with the plug. If I remember correctly the instructions said the plug was for the small "by-pass" hole on the passenger side of the pump and block. It was to be installed if a by-pass hose was used from the top of the pump to the intake manifold. The pump also came with a screw plug to seal the top of the pump if the hose style by-pass was not used.
Glad someone knew. I was beginning to think I got left out of the bigger picture.
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