1958 water pump issue, see photo

[John R.]

Replacing my radiator core support and generally freshening up the area. Take a look at the photo below. The water pump needed some attention because the paint was flaking off. I was just going to repaint it until I saw the white residue on the top of the pump. There was some of the same residue on the drivers side, top mounting bolt. I wiped that off before the photo was shot.Should I replace the pump? Is this a sign of a leak? What should I do? Thanks.

[John F.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

Since you have everything out of the way, I would rebuild now if it is the original water pump. Saves all that time to redo later. That "Murphy" is always lurking on things like this!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

Replacing my radiator core support and generally freshening up the area. Take a look at the photo below. The water pump needed some attention because the paint was flaking off. I was just going to repaint it until I saw the white residue on the top of the pump. There was some of the same residue on the drivers side, top mounting bolt. I wiped that off before the photo was shot.Should I replace the pump? Is this a sign of a leak? What should I do? Thanks.

John------


It looks to me like the backing plate gasket is leaking and also, possibly, one of the waterpump leg gaskets. As John mentions, your best bet is to remove the pump and have it rebuilt. Due to the involvement of the "ox-bow" engine mount on a C1, it's a bit of a pain to replace the waterpump. So, you might as well have it 100% right.

[David L.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

John,

It appears that you have the correct 3736493 water pump (wo/ribs).

Dave

[John R.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

Thanks for all the help guys. I will remove and have rebuilt.

[Rob M.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

be aware the engine is hanging on the crossmember hold in place by the bolts of the water pump. Don't ask me how I found out

[Philip P.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

There are gaskets on both sides of the engine mount and I would replace all of them. The one next to the block will require the removal of the mount cross member. The engine front needs to be supported from below. Some where I have a picture of a fixture to do this and will post it, but basically it supports the engine around the pan flange.
Phil

[Jerry B.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

Just to add my two cents, I had my mount cross member machined both sides for absolute " flatness". It saves alot of time and effort to repeat this repair.

[Bruce B.]

Re: 1958 water pump issue, see photo

John,
To remove just the pump replace the top 2 bolts or threaded rod or long bolts with the heads cut off. That way you can remove the 2 lower bolts and slide the water pump off.
As mentioned the mount should be removed after supporting the engine from below. Leave the rods in place after cleaning the gasket surfaces for easy re assembly.