Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

[David L.]

Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

Joe,

My "T" (Tonowanda) "608" W/P dated "L 08 9" does not have ribs and I am sure it was never rebuild since all 6 bolts have the "waving flag" logo.

I found the paragraph below in an article about 1972 Corvette cylinder heads in "The Corvette Restorer" (Vol. 12, #1, Summer 1985, pg. 29) by John Amgwert. I am sure the "X" casting also applies to water pumps.

Dave

"(X) indicates that an "X" casting foundry proofmark will appear after the seven digit casting number on later 1972 base and LT-1 39734487 cylinder heads. An "X" proofmark is used by Central Foundry Division with any new casting or casting composition to alert the machine shop and warranty system that casting failure is to be reported immediately."

[Joe L.]

Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

Joe,

My "T" (Tonowanda) "608" W/P dated "L 08 9" does not have ribs and I am sure it was never rebuild since all 6 bolts have the "waving flag" logo.

I found the paragraph below in an article about 1972 Corvette cylinder heads in "The Corvette Restorer" (Vol. 12, #1, Summer 1985, pg. 29) by John Amgwert. I am sure the "X" casting also applies to water pumps.

Dave

"(X) indicates that an "X" casting foundry proofmark will appear after the seven digit casting number on later 1972 base and LT-1 39734487 cylinder heads. An "X" proofmark is used by Central Foundry Division with any new casting or casting composition to alert the machine shop and warranty system that casting failure is to be reported immediately."

Dave-----

The pictured casting is definitely a Tonawanda casting. However, apparently Tonawanda made some without the ribs. All that I have seen have had the ribs. So, now I know they made them both ways.

What happened to the photo? It was there a minute ago.

[David L.]

Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

Joe,

I thought that I had the wrong photo. I will try to get a better photo of the date.

Dave

CORRECTION; The date is "J 30 7" (Oct. 30, 1967) instead of "L 08 9". I read the date upsidedown. I also made the correction above. I'm getting old so give me a break.

[David L.]

Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

Dave------

The date on this pump indicates a pump manufactured in December, 1969. That's after my pump, but this pump rear plate doesn't have the sealing "ridges". Maybe Tonawanda didn't use that rear plate until later.

Joe,
The date is NOT "L 08 9", it is "J 30 7" (Oct. 30, 1967). I made the corrections elsewhere. Old age again.
Dave

[John H.]

Re: Small Block Water Pump Backplates!!!!!

Dave-----

The pictured casting is definitely a Tonawanda casting. However, apparently Tonawanda made some without the ribs. All that I have seen have had the ribs. So, now I know they made them both ways.

Joe -

Here's an April '67 608 Tonawanda pump with no ribs; I hadn't seen one either until I stumbled over this one.