Water pump going out?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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Water pump going out?
got in the 72 this morning, cranked her up and walked away to let the engine warm up. When I came back out I heard a noise coming from the front of the engine. Opened the hood, turned the car off. The noise continued until the fan stopped. Definately coming from the fan. Its a 350 engine. Sound like the water pump might be failing? If so, any suggestion on what brand to buy? I only drive the car on weekends and never really push it too much, more of a cruiser. Thanks..Don
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by dholifield
got in the 72 this morning, cranked her up and walked away to let the engine warm up. When I came back out I heard a noise coming from the front of the engine. Opened the hood, turned the car off. The noise continued until the fan stopped. Definately coming from the fan. Its a 350 engine. Sound like the water pump might be failing? If so, any suggestion on what brand to buy? I only drive the car on weekends and never really push it too much, more of a cruiser. Thanks..Don
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 1
From: Lafayette Louisiana
The water pump will stop turning with the engine. If the noise contunued until the fan stopped it has to be the clutch. Don't drive it until you replace it because you risk it doing much damage if it comes off the shaft.
To check it, grab a blade and check for slack by moving it front to back. If its making noise though, I would just replace it for peace of mind.
To check it, grab a blade and check for slack by moving it front to back. If its making noise though, I would just replace it for peace of mind.
Last edited by kevinator80; Nov 14, 2006 at 09:11 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2006
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Thanks to all, the fan continued to spin when I shut her off this morning. Guess I will replace it along with the water pump. Anything in particular I should watch for when replacing...like hidden bolts or tricks I should know before tackling this project?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
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From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by dholifield
Thanks Jud, any advice on how to check it? Also is dangerous to drive with it making the noise? Also is this a do it yourself project or does it need to go to a mechanic? thanks again.
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Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by Jud Chapin
You're welcome. The job is pretty straight forward. Since you'll be into the cooling system, I would flush it, install fresh coolant, and replace the thermostat and check the hoses and belts. If this is your first time at this, get a good repair manual and just take your time. Good luck. We're here to help.
And if its been a long time since it has been apart be careful not to break any bolts.Break loose the fan bolts before you remove the belts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
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Jud and DW, thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement. Not the first time I've done it, but it has been awhile, more than 20 years. lol I'm looking forward to doing the work myself. For some odd reason I've almost been sitting around waiting for something to break to give me an excuse to start working under the hood. Thanks again and if you ever drive through Birmingham Alabama look me up and I buy you a few of your favorite beverages, whatever they may be. Don
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 10,560
Likes: 439
From: Wellington, FL
St. Jude Donor '11 thru '25
Originally Posted by dholifield
Jud and DW, thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement. Not the first time I've done it, but it has been awhile, more than 20 years. lol I'm looking forward to doing the work myself. For some odd reason I've almost been sitting around waiting for something to break to give me an excuse to start working under the hood. Thanks again and if you ever drive through Birmingham Alabama look me up and I buy you a few of your favorite beverages, whatever they may be. Don
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by dholifield
Jud and DW, thanks for all the suggestions and encouragement. Not the first time I've done it, but it has been awhile, more than 20 years. lol I'm looking forward to doing the work myself. For some odd reason I've almost been sitting around waiting for something to break to give me an excuse to start working under the hood. Thanks again and if you ever drive through Birmingham Alabama look me up and I buy you a few of your favorite beverages, whatever they may be. Don
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 686
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From: Southeast
Is your engine modified at all? If not, then a new OEM water pump will do. If you want to go aluminum, try Stewart. They have different stages depending on what you have done to the motor. Here's the website.