Pulley alignment - should I be concerned?

[Keith R.]

The water pump pulley on my 1960 high horsepower engine is not lining up exactly with the crank pulley - it's about 1/16 to 1/8 inch forward of the crank pulley. See the posted photos. It was off previously and discovered that I was missing the spacer behind the harmonic balancer. So I bought one; pulled the balancer and replaced it with the spacer behind and it's still off somewhat. I have the correct harmonic balancer pulley; the correct water pump pulley and have installed the spacer behind the water pump pulley. Should I be concerned with this slight offset? The only fix I know of is to pull the water pump and take it to a machine shop to have the fan mounting flange pressed on another 1/8". Any advice or recommendations?

[Edward J.]

Re: Pulley alignment - should I be concerned?

Keith, The water pump flange is the correct route as it sounds, But first make sure the generator pulley is lined up with crankshaft pulley. Last thing you want is all 3 pulleys off there alignment. If you do remove the water pump make sure when you press the pulley down you remove the rear plate and support the rear shaft of the bearing, Just trying to press the flange will result in moving the impeller which is pressed also. A new gasket can be brought at the local parts store, Fel Pro makes a gasket.


If you really do not want to remove the pump you can remove the lower crank pulley and get a piece of sheet metal and trace out the pulley holes and install a shim between them. No sure what will take more time. but a good pair of tin snips should make quick order. most metal sheets are about a 1/16 to 1/8. I know the C1 pumps can be a pill to remove and seal.

[Lynn L.]

Re: Pulley alignment - should I be concerned?

Did you place an oil slinger and spacer on crankshaft? Order of forward assembly: crank timing gear, slinger, spacer, Harmonic balancer