Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

[Bryan W.]

My Top Flight L48 1980 model has a very noisy water pump. Even though it has only travelled 3600 miles it needs work before it travels any more! When the fan is hand held there is considerable side to side movement obvious in the pumps shaft. To it's credit it's not leaking!!

Being in Australia my access to parts is limited but have scanned the internet Corvette parts suppliers and not found any rebuild kits on offer for the 80 model.
Is it re buildable?
Is it the same as the early 70's pumps that I do see kits on offer for?
Corvette Central offer a pump vin matched and dated, is this the best solution?

Suggestions and help to source the correct replacement fix would be appreciated.

[Lynn H.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Are you certain it is not the fan clutch that is showing signs of movement? if you look in the last Driveline on page 46 is an advertisement for "ChevyCool Classic Chevrolet Water Pumps". He can rebuild the pump you have and I believe it was him that I purchased kits from at Bloomington. He should be able to help you out.
Lynn

[Bryan W.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

I can see slight movement in the fan clutch, but heaps in the actual pump. It would be easier for me if there was a kit I could buy and rebuild the pump here in Australia.

[Joe L.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

My Top Flight L48 1980 model has a very noisy water pump. Even though it has only travelled 3600 miles it needs work before it travels any more! When the fan is hand held there is considerable side to side movement obvious in the pumps shaft. To it's credit it's not leaking!!

Being in Australia my access to parts is limited but have scanned the internet Corvette parts suppliers and not found any rebuild kits on offer for the 80 model.
Is it re buildable?
Is it the same as the early 70's pumps that I do see kits on offer for?
Corvette Central offer a pump vin matched and dated, is this the best solution?

Suggestions and help to source the correct replacement fix would be appreciated.

Bryan------


All Corvette waterpumps from 1971-82 use the same seal and bearing/shaft assembly. You should be able to get a kit from any of the sources that rebuild waterpumps or from one of the Corvette vendors that sell such kits. The 71-82 Corvette bearing/shaft assembly is somewhat unique in that it uses a full 3/4" pilot. No other Chevrolet passenger car uses this size pilot.

Be very careful if you rebuild the pump yourself. You MUST NOT support the pump while performing any pressing operation by the pump resting on the block flange surfaces (i.e. "legs"). If you do, you will most likely break the casting. During pressing operations, the pump MUST be supported by the machined surface where the backing plate attaches.

[Bryan W.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Thanks for that I will see who I can find that will sell me a kit. Any suggestions?

[Joe L.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Thanks for that I will see who I can find that will sell me a kit. Any suggestions?

Bryan-----


Bill Mock is one that rebuilds waterpumps and I would think would be able to supply you with a kit. He advertises in the Driveline.

Corvette Central may also sell these kits. I don't think that Dr. Rebuild or Paragon does, though.

[Jack H.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Gee, too bad you didn't post before the NCRS meet in Perth... We had more than on Rocky Mtn Chapter member fly down to help in the Flight Judging and it would have been child's play for one to hand carry a 'care' package to you!

We have two local shops in Denver who've been rebuilding water pumps for +25 years and making up a kit of shaft, hub, bearing, seal, gasket is pretty easy IF you have access to the raw parts. If you're not in any great hurry, Murray and Wendy Forman will be in town this summer to drive on the National Road Tour with RMC folks to the NCRS National Meet. You could talk him into being your parts 'mule'...

[Bryan W.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Hi Jack. "If only I had know then what I know now" not sure who first said that but it is so true.
No I really want to get this fixed now.
I'm in the Carolina's Georgia and then Indianapolis for the Mecum Auction next month so can bring back whatever I need if I dont get it done before then. Knowing Murray as I do his bags will be full already.
I have emailed Bill Mock for the parts, if i have a problem getting them from him I'll get back to you.
Thanks for your interest and your participation in Perth!!
Bryan

[Bryan W.]

Re: Rebuild or Replace 1980 Water Pump?

Thanks Joe ...... should have looked in the Driveline first!
Have emailed Bill Mock so hope that will work.

From my checking on Corvette Central web page I could not see a kit offered, unless I'm looking in the wrong place. If you know otherwise could you shoot me their part number please?

Regards Bryan