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346 Water Pump assistance

Started by Andrew Armitage, December 03, 2012, 02:14:42 AM

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Andrew Armitage

I've discovered that my water pump pulley is misaligned.  It appears that it needs to be pushed down on the shaft a fraction of an inch more.  Can I do this by tightening the nut on the end of the pulley or does it need to be pressed on further with a machine press?

My not catching this earlier has caused premature wear on the water pump (it's starting to leak again, rebuilt last year) and also another bearing and bushing replacement on a rebuilt generator (less than 6 months old).  I hope this is the gremlin that I've been chasing for over a year now.

From what I can see back there behind the pulley, there doesn't seem to be much space between the pulley and the nose of the water pump housing.  Anyone else run into this issue before?
Andrew Armitage
Plainfield, IL
1941 67 Series
1966 Fleetwood 75 Series
1985 Seville
1991 Eldorado

Steve Passmore

Sounds more like you should adjust the pulley on your generator Andrew, theres no adjustment on the pump, the pulley sits up against the shaft and thats it.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Andrew Armitage

I don't see an adjustment on the generator either.  How can I adjust the generator pulley out?  I have two generators, both pulleys sit exactly alike on them when installed in the car.

My thoughts are that when the water pump was rebuilt, the pulley wasn't fully seated.
Andrew Armitage
Plainfield, IL
1941 67 Series
1966 Fleetwood 75 Series
1985 Seville
1991 Eldorado

Steve Passmore

Andrew, the pump pulley sits on a "Land" and cant go any further, if it wasn't seated you couldn't get the nut on.
The generator pulleys distance is governed by spacers on the shaft behind the pulley. these can be all different lengths.  Someone might have changed them or the wrong shaft to the pump.
Steve

Present
1937 60 convertible coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe
1941 62 coupe

Previous
1936 70 Sport coupe
1937 85 series V12 sedan
1938 60 coupe
1938 50 coupe
1939 60S
1940 62 coupe
1941 62 convertible coupe x2
1941 61 coupe
1941 61 sedan x2
1941 62 sedan x2
1947 62 sedan
1959 62 coupe

Andrew Armitage

Thank you for this information, I will look into this.
Andrew Armitage
Plainfield, IL
1941 67 Series
1966 Fleetwood 75 Series
1985 Seville
1991 Eldorado

Andrew Armitage

Steve,

Much thanks for your help.  I inserted a single 10 cent flat washer in between the generator mount and the generator on each side.  Presto!  The belt lines up dead on and the squeal is gone!

I owe you one!
Andrew Armitage
Plainfield, IL
1941 67 Series
1966 Fleetwood 75 Series
1985 Seville
1991 Eldorado

Bill Ingler #7799

Hi Andrew: Glad you got your alignment problem solved. Two things to consider on the water pump leak and the replacement of your generator bearing. Both problems could have been caused or could not have been caused by the misalignment of the generator. You probably are already aware that when you are lubricating the water pump, do not use an air gun but rather use a hand grease gun. That way you can feel the first sign of resistance in the pump( indicating enough grease to the seal) which means STOP pumping. Continuing pumping can cause premature failure of that seal. Running belts too tight can also cause too much strain on the generator bearing as well as the fan hub bearing. So make sure you have some deflection in your belts. I use about 3/4 inch.      Bill

Andrew Armitage

Bill,

The water pump was rebuilt recently with a sealed bearing that does not need servicing.  And yes, I keep the belt tension at about 3/4" in the middle between the generator and the crankshaft.  Enough that the belt holds the proper tension when the engine is running that I don't have to worry about it jumping off, but not unnecessarily tight to where it will put a strain on the bearings.

I'm pretty sure that I'm able to put this issue to bed.  I was concentrating on treating the symptoms and not the cause.  What I thought was a bad bearing squeal was actually the belt squealing because of the misalignment.  But I think all the miles driven with the belt misaligned took its toll on the water pump seal.  The water pump pulley is still tight without any play, but I'm getting coolant leaking down onto my lower radiator hose.  I'm going to chalk it up to another expensive lesson learned from the school of hard knocks.  I'm just thankful for the wealth of knowledge and experience that is availabe through the club members.


Andrew Armitage
Plainfield, IL
1941 67 Series
1966 Fleetwood 75 Series
1985 Seville
1991 Eldorado