Water Pump Woes (65-365hp)
 

Here is my original thread...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-65-365hp.html

I had the original water pump rebuilt locally because I wanted the correct 1/2" bypass. I took the car for a ride and I had a terrible vibration and after 2 miles, the water pump failed and coolant was leaking out. You can move the fan a lot so it must have took out the bearings.

I've had a vibration in the motor at higher RPM's that must be related to the pump, pulley or fan. When I replaced the pump I replaced the fan clutch as well. The pulley showed a wobble when it spun like it wasn't sitting correctly on the water pump shaft. Like I said after the rebuild, the vibration was pretty bad. I ordered a new pulley that is almost $300.00 and I think I'll replace the fan as well.

I plan on also putting on a replacement water pump and using a bushing for the bypass elbow and then sending the correct one to Bill Mock for another rebuild (he did not do it the first time).

I just wanted to share my pain and frustration. Thanks for reading!

I talked to Bill Mock about rebuilding my pump and come to find out that he used to own my car over 30 years ago! He remembered it well and has a picture of it on his wall that he is going to scan for me. Small world!

I messed up a couple of water pumps. I found that the bushing that is included to center the fan clutch on the water pump is a bit too short to mate up with the water pump shaft, so it wasn't working as intended. The fix was to drop a couple of washers in behind the bushing to bring the bushing flush with the edge of the fan clutch so that it mates with the shaft on the water pump.

:cheers:
Gerry

Are you sure the pulley is the problem and not the pump mounting flange? I have seen some rebuilds that bend them in the repair process. The good rebuilds will either replace or turn the mounting surface on a lathe to insure straightness. Check it out, you might save yourself $300 :thumbs::smash:

Just saw your other post, bummer on the pump but, your pulley may still be fine.

I found hairline cracks in my water pump pulley as well. Most water pump flanges are not perfect and neither is the pulley. I mounted the new pulley to the pump in all four locations checked it with a dial indicator and mounted it in the position with the least amount of runout. The price for the right pulley is high but like you I wanted the correct part.

Yes I will check the alignment of the old pulley and new pulley before assembly. I ordered a rebuilt pump from Chicago Corvette that is supposedly an unsleeved correct 1/2" NPT undated 326 pump. We will see when I get it.

Oh no :ack:
hope they had it IN STOCK......

Don

Supposed to ship today so we will see.