59 Water Pump Replacement

[James O.]

When jacking front of engine for water pump replacement, where is best place to jack from?

[Mark B.]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

James,

I have found that the safest thing to do is to use an engine hoist with a plate bolted to the intake manifold where the carburetor mounts. This holds the engine up and allows you to change the water pump without jacking. In lieu of using an engine hoist, I have also used two bottle jacks, one on each corner of the front of the block with the oil pan removed. Since the oil pan is easy to remove on a C1, it doesn't add much time to the process. If you haven't replaced your timing chain in a while, it's also a good time to check or change it and replace the front timing cover seal. Since you have to pull the harmonic dampener to remove the timing cover, you might want to consider drilling and tapping the crank snout for a bolt and washer to retain the dampener on the crank snout. I've expanded your list quite a bit and spent some of your money, but these are things that are good to do now while the front of your engine is apart. I can send you directions on tapping the snout if you need. I just did it in the car about 2 months ago. Good luck and be careful!!

[Roy B.]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

I just did my 60 and 55 they were leaking at the water pump gaskets , I just put a block of wood on the floor jack and at the front area of the oil pan lift the engine enough off the side motor pads .It dint hurt the pan.

[Ed Jennings]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

Construct a "U" shaped spanner from 2X4's that will put the pressure on the pan rails. Jack this way and you will have no risk of damaging the pan.

[James O.]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

Mark, Thanks. I like your idea of bottle jacks on the corners and I think there is enough meat without removing pan. I am so proud of building it with no leaks that I dread removing that stuff unless neccessary. I could also put a scissor jack under pan once engine is jacked and just snug it up for insurance in case one of the bottle jacks gets funky and bleeds off.

[Dennis A.]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

In one of John Hinkley's Tech-Articles, he outlined an easy to make wood saddle to hold the engine during transmission removal. this supports Ed's post.

[John H.]

Re: 59 Water Pump Replacement

Jack it up using a saddle that will lift it on the pan rails, not on the pan; 2x6 base, 1x6 sides, same inside width as the pan, sides 1" taller than the depth of the pan. Costs about fifty cents to make.