72 BB Water Pump?

[Ken C.]

Car info. 72 BB with a/c.
While under my car today planning how i'm going to tackle my exhaust manifolds removal. Will get into this on another thread. I noticed a molasses or thicker (no odor) like substance on my lower radiator hose coming from the water pump area. This substance wasnt visible from the top of car. Only runs along the bottom of water pump outlet onto lower hose. i do not see any visible leaks/dampness around timing chain cover or harmonic dampner. Would water pump be going. Car has 51K miles and only drive 500-1000 miles a yr anymore.
thanks in advance

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 BB Water Pump?

Car info. 72 BB with a/c.
While under my car today planning how i'm going to tackle my exhaust manifolds removal. Will get into this on another thread. I noticed a molasses or thicker (no odor) like substance on my lower radiator hose coming from the water pump area. This substance wasnt visible from the top of car. Only runs along the bottom of water pump outlet onto lower hose. i do not see any visible leaks/dampness around timing chain cover or harmonic dampner. Would water pump be going. Car has 51K miles and only drive 500-1000 miles a yr anymore.
thanks in advance

Ken----


I've seen this myself on a fair number of cars. I really think it's engine oil that uses the underside of the radiator hose for a "drip path". In any event, I don't think it has anything to do with the waterpump. All big blocks use a "jumbo" size bearing and 3/4" shaft. They are quite durable. The 55-70 small block waterpumps with 5/8" shaft and small bearing are usually good for about 50,000 miles, maximum. However, all big blocks as well as 71+ small blocks have much stouter and, usually, longer-lived bearings.

[Ken C.]

Re: 72 BB Water Pump?

Joe as always thanks, Check out my next post on new project that led to me see this.