water pump (leak) question

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    Author Topic: water pump (leak) question  (Read 1800 times)

    Offline 360FISH

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    • BS23H3B567746
    water pump (leak) question
    « on: November 10, 2010 - 12:45:43 AM »
    Can I assume this is a bad gasket and not a bad pump?
    I heard that the pump can leak from a weep hole if it's going (gone) bad.  Would that manifest itself in a leak like this?

    I suppose I should inspect the radiator to make sure water is flowing as a measure of the pump's health (will do that this weekend).

    Thoughts?



    Alan
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    1973 ‘Cuda   Semi-Pro Touring
    360 SB - 518/OD auto tranny - FAST EZ EFI - Edelbrock Fuel sump - HHR fan
    Hella H4 headlights on relays - 97 Dodge Avenger seats - Chin spoiler - Bumpers pulled in to ’72 offset

    Build: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=74674.0


    Offline 72 cuda

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #1 on: November 10, 2010 - 02:36:49 AM »
    Dear fish,
    to my understanding your pump is gone.
    they build the pump in a manner that it wears the seal as the bearings wear.
    the fan will still move the water, but it is your warning that the bearings are worn and  may start to seize.
    Mark :rebel: 
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    Offline Bullitt-

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #2 on: November 10, 2010 - 09:33:13 AM »
    Wet harmonic balancer  is typical of a leaking seal... I do notice a dark spot on the gasket where the lower P/S bracket bolt goes through, there was a post recently about a bolt that would not tighten enough to seal the pump. I suggested a thick washer might solve that issue.
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    Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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    Offline 360FISH

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    • BS23H3B567746
    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #3 on: November 10, 2010 - 03:35:13 PM »
    Thanks guys...  is the weep hole on the underside of the pump?  Is that what is being exposed by the worn out internal seal?  Interesting...

    I figure this car wants me to touch every part before it will give me some quality drive time, so I'm just going to pull the pump, see if anythng jumps out at me.

    I'll be back with some pics and questions if nothing is evident.

    Much appreciated!

    Alan
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    1973 ‘Cuda   Semi-Pro Touring
    360 SB - 518/OD auto tranny - FAST EZ EFI - Edelbrock Fuel sump - HHR fan
    Hella H4 headlights on relays - 97 Dodge Avenger seats - Chin spoiler - Bumpers pulled in to ’72 offset

    Build: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=74674.0

    Offline Bullitt-

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #4 on: November 10, 2010 - 05:09:25 PM »
    Quote from: 360FISH on November 10, 2010 - 03:35:13 PM
    Thanks guys...  is the weep hole on the underside of the pump?  Is that what is being exposed by the worn out internal seal?

    Yep
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    Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
    Screwed by Photobucket!

    Offline MEK-Dangerfield

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #5 on: November 10, 2010 - 05:25:55 PM »
    Alan,

      In the past, bad water pumps have leaked big time on me, or made some kind of noise to let me know the bearings were going to heaven. Hopefully it's just a seal for you.    :swaying:
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    Mike

    1970 Challenger - SOLD
    2016 SXT+.  1 of 524 SXT+'s in Plumb-crazy for 2016.

    Offline brads70

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #6 on: November 10, 2010 - 05:49:39 PM »
    I'd say if you have it off , you might as well put on a new one? That way you will KNOW it's good! Small block water pumps are a pain the the butt! Lots more surface area to seal up.  :2cents:
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    Brad
    1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
    Barrie,Ontario,Canada
    Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

    My restoration thread 
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
     My handling upgrade post
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

    Offline 360FISH

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #7 on: November 11, 2010 - 02:20:35 AM »
    Quote from: brads70 on November 10, 2010 - 05:49:39 PM
    I'd say if you have it off , you might as well put on a new one? That way you will KNOW it's good! ... <snip>...

    Well I up and pulled the pump this evening...  looking through the weep hole, the shaft inside is wet and it looks like fluid was flowing out the hole (based on the pattern of the grit/dirt "flowing" from it).   So my vedict is BAD PUMP.

    It's off to find a new one (not rebuilt as I've seen warnings about here).  Also might get a new set of bolts because most of these are in really cruddy shape.

    Should I care about high flow pumps vs. regular?

    Thanks guys for the help!

    Alan
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    1973 ‘Cuda   Semi-Pro Touring
    360 SB - 518/OD auto tranny - FAST EZ EFI - Edelbrock Fuel sump - HHR fan
    Hella H4 headlights on relays - 97 Dodge Avenger seats - Chin spoiler - Bumpers pulled in to ’72 offset

    Build: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=74674.0

    Offline don340-4

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #8 on: November 11, 2010 - 11:50:22 PM »
     
     Be sure to put thread sealant on the bolts that go into the water jacket of the block.

                               :wavingflag:
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    Don
    1970 Challenger R/T SE
    1970 Challenger Western Sport Special
    1969 Plymouth Road Runner
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    Offline 360FISH

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #9 on: November 21, 2010 - 02:33:00 AM »
    Hey guys…
    Took my time working through the water pump install.  Found the pump I wanted locally at NAPA.  That’s becoming my favorite place to start for parts before heading online.   :working:

    Pictures…  and yes I did use thread seal on the bolts (thanks again for the great advice). 







    6 blades






    8 blades


    Bullitt… I noticed that the casing on the new pump was .25” shorter on the bolt hole just to the right of the two top hose pipes.  Used a washer to make up the difference.  Maybe this was the same thing the poster you mentioned encountered.





    Ran the car (on the jack stands) for an extended period of time… so far my tranny leaks and water leaks are stopped!  I’m going to see about getting this car on the ground tomorrow to give it a real test run.

    Fingers crossed!    I have a lot of people coming over on Thanksgiving… need this car to be running!  ;)

    Alan
    « Last Edit: November 21, 2010 - 02:35:36 AM by 360FISH »
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    1973 ‘Cuda   Semi-Pro Touring
    360 SB - 518/OD auto tranny - FAST EZ EFI - Edelbrock Fuel sump - HHR fan
    Hella H4 headlights on relays - 97 Dodge Avenger seats - Chin spoiler - Bumpers pulled in to ’72 offset

    Build: http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=74674.0

    Offline brads70

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #10 on: November 21, 2010 - 08:56:24 AM »
    Nice job! Now go drive it like ya stole it! :aarg: :bigsmile:
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    Brad
    1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
    Barrie,Ontario,Canada
    Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

    My restoration thread 
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=59072.0
     My handling upgrade post
    http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

    Offline Strawdawg

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #11 on: November 21, 2010 - 09:58:18 AM »
    Quote from: brads70 on November 21, 2010 - 08:56:24 AM
    Nice job! Now go drive it like ya stole it! :aarg: :bigsmile:

    Right after you verify the brakes........ :cheers:
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    Offline 4Cruizn

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    Re: water pump (leak) question
    « Reply #12 on: November 21, 2010 - 11:12:38 AM »
    Nice job!  New pump looks good!   :2thumbs:
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