Water pump

[Peter B.]

Hi Team

as the guys at the vette smith said, my water pump will eventually need replacing. Well. Went for a drive and it's leaking from the pump. It's a 1971 and original. Is it date coded? Should I get it rebuilt or replace it from Ecklars? What do you all recommend ? It supposed to be Chevy engine orange, correct? I can't tell. Mine is pretty dark from years of use.

Thanks in advance for the help

peter

[Joe L.]

Re: Water pump

Hi Team

as the guys at the vette smith said, my water pump will eventually need replacing. Well. Went for a drive and it's leaking from the pump. It's a 1971 and original. Is it date coded? Should I get it rebuilt or replace it from Ecklars? What do you all recommend ? It supposed to be Chevy engine orange, correct? I can't tell. Mine is pretty dark from years of use.

Thanks in advance for the help

peter

Peter-----

If it's original it will be a GM #3991399 and it will be date coded. It was painted with the engine and is therefore engine orange. Your best bet, IF it's original or otherwise a 3991399, is to have it rebuilt.

[Jim T.]

Re: Water pump

How many miles did you get from the original pump?

[Peter B.]

Re: Water pump

Thanks Joe. Will do. Something I can do or do you recommend someone? I like the idea because I can put it back and it will look aged like it is now. I hope I don't break off any bolts in the process. Should I replace the bolts while I'm at it?

[Peter B.]

Re: Water pump

Hi Jim. The odometer has 38700 on it. I figure the car has no more than 50k miles. Engine is original and runs perfectly.

[Joe L.]

Re: Water pump

Thanks Joe. Will do. Something I can do or do you recommend someone? I like the idea because I can put it back and it will look aged like it is now. I hope I don't break off any bolts in the process. Should I replace the bolts while I'm at it?

Peter------

I would recommend having it rebuilt by a professional. Bill Mock is a good source for this work.

I highly doubt you'll break any bolts; usually, these bolts will come out pretty easily. Inspect the bolts when they're out. If there's any corrosion damage, especially pitting, replace them. Otherwise, you can re-use them.

[Edward J.]

Re: Water pump

Peter, just a note all rebuilders are not equal, There are a few rebuilders that use the water pumps original impeller, They will have to do a small machining modification to the impeller with todays replaced bearings. This a important factor when rebuilding the original pump. as we all know overheating factors always comes in to play with vintage corvettes. I like Joes L. choice.