1965 water pump pulley

[Rocco C.]

While waiting on a carb rebuild to come back i decided to change my belts and explore a bit. I removed my fan and pulley, inspected the pulley for part number (found none). After install i checked the tension in the belts and grabbed a hold of the double grooved pulley. I noticed their is approximately 1/16 of play, enough to concern me. Would this be a tell tale sign of the water pump starting to fail?

[Joe L.]

Re: 1965 water pump pulley

While waiting on a carb rebuild to come back i decided to change my belts and explore a bit. I removed my fan and pulley, inspected the pulley for part number (found none). After install i checked the tension in the belts and grabbed a hold of the double grooved pulley. I noticed their is approximately 1/16 of play, enough to concern me. Would this be a tell tale sign of the water pump starting to fail?

Rocco------


It's hard to say as there is a very slight amount of play in a good waterpump bearing. However, I'd base a decision more on how many miles are on the pump. If it's in the 50,000 mile range, I'd say your best plan is to rebuild or replace the pump. Also, if the car has sat for a very long time, that's another factor I'd use in my decision regardless of how many miles are on the pump.

[Rocco C.]

Re: 1965 water pump pulley

Thanks joe. The engine was rebuilt freshened up 4-7 years ago but have no way of telling if the water pump was rebuilt at that time or not

[Domenic T.]

Re: 1965 water pump pulley

Rocco,
Advise is all good but check tightenes of all bolts/screws on pulley. Yes that's a sign of a water pump failure. The water pump shaft will move if the bearings are bad.

Dom