Water pump rebuilds
 

When doing a complete engine rebuild on a worn out flathead, It's obvious one would replace or rebuild the water pumps. I have the two matching pumps that were on my 81a 24 stud motor. Would I want to get these pumps rebuilt, or buy a set from a good rebuilder? I have seen threads on here about special pumps that are being sold and touted to give better cooling. Any words of wisdom for me on this? Thanks!

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

I would send them to Skip Haney in Florida. he will do a good job. it will be easier now then doing it later. he has done my pumps for me!

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Send them to Skip. Walt

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

x-3 for Skip.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

fordcollector.com is Skip's website

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Read this thread: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106054 Skip's pumps are only recommended (by Skip) to be used without thermostats. With thermostats they are no better and maybe worse as explained in that thread.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Not so if you have full flow thermostats, My 8BA is living proof!

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

If you are referring to Shewman's when you say "full flow" thermostats read this thread: http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=112889 (It only applies to the 59A and earlier style. His 8BA style is a the same high flow thermostat as Robert Shaw and is, indeed, high flow.)

Skip still doesn't recommend the use of his pumps with thermostats.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Hi Everyone! I haven't posted in a while.

[Edit: added this line.] To answer the first question, rebuilt. To address the second...

There are many factors that add or subtract to flathead cooling, certainly the water pumps are an important component, I think we can agree to this.

The folks at www.fordcollector.com are water pump (and coil, and other pieces) rebuild experts (as well as experts on varied vital subjects), but who use "improved" replacement parts in the pumps related to the impeller, at least I think. (See the referenced thread above.) Their pumps are on many members' engine(s), I have a set waiting to go on mine when needed. [Edited: Added here.] The member above, Cecil, from personal knowledge he's an expert mechanic and driver, and friend, BTW.

(On the coil subject I was treated exceptionally fairly by this supplier when they fixed one that was destroyed through no fault of their own. So even if their products are not the replacement for sliced bread, the business is headed in an admirable direction as evidenced by their reputation, some would say innovation, and product support.)

The thermostat question still hangs out there. I run with none. I'm not saying I'm smart, but it works for the miles and terrain I drive.

The pumps in question come with recommendations, including using coolant additives and using thermostats from a recommended supplier. Not especially good or bad, just good to know in advance.

My $0.02. If I was tearing an engine down, I'd pay particular attention to getting the block clean. Many stories about dirty blocks are floating on the forums. Then I'd contact Mr. Haney for advice on pumps and your coil(s) including your backup. [Edit: Added here.] Then, being on the East Coast, I'd send the whole lot to Walt in Maine, then I'd pay the bill, install it, and I'd drive it for twenty years!

I hope this helps.

-VT/JeffH

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Got the pumps for my 8ba back from Skip about a month ago. Instructions included with pumps said if thermostats are used the only ones acceptable were Bob Shewman's. I believe in using thermostats and have dutifly installed Bob's high flow 'stats. Engine is yet to be installed.
Howard

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Another vote for pumps rebuilt by Skip Haney. I have non restrictive thermostats in my '35 sedan and with Skips pumps and his overflow check valve, no more puking coolant and overheating.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

The comment from JM, above, is from another expert mechanic who is FordBarn member of the year, and who wheeled and backfired from MD to NV and back just to warm up for a 12K+ mileage driving season. Whatever the questions about the Haney pumps, they are not a bad choice.

-VT/JeffH

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

I have used many many of Skips pumps and coils and really sadisfide. I got a set of pumps back from Ship about a month ago, opened the carton and it had been damaged in shipping, called Skip, he said send it right back, he replaced the bent pulley and sent it right back to me. Skip has rebuilt quite few of those early coils that bolt on top of the dist. I've got to say, you cain't get your finger off the starter button fast enough the engine is running no matter how hot the engine is. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Walt

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

John JM35 Sedan, very kindly assisted me with my purchase of Skip's waterpumps ( thanks John mate ) I love them ! Very clever man - superb craftmanship. My v8 runs lovely no drips - no overheating.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showth...ight=teck+talk

Std pumps verses the turbo rebuilds .Attached is the link of a radiator cleaning thred .You would be surprised how much a stock pump flows .Some time back I did some experiments on the pumps by fitting them up to a tank on the early 21 stud 4 blade I got a 3 feet of spay out of the pump at 1400 RPM .You may need the extra flow if your radiator is marginal ,I fitted a shroud to my 34 and after returning from a car show yesterday it was confirmed to me again as I came of the motorway at the first set of lights the temperature was level pegging rather than starting to clime .a restricted or under capacity Radiator will need a shroud or the water forced through it so a valve or over flow tank will be needed . Consider a extra row of tubes .

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

All Ford day

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I have 330-160 stats and I haven't heard about not using stats if they don't restrict flow. I'm just reporting what works for me.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

I thought skip also rebuild the pumps without the high flow propeller? If wanted that way?

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I have a 36 LB 21 stud engine that had water blowing out when pushing it & getting warm one grades. Sent two nos pumps to skip for his touch. Got them Back & installed them along with the 3# check valve. Runs good & no blowout the radiator cap when pushing it or up a grade. This is a fairly fresh rebuild by Furtado (now deceased) & cleaned radiator. Only wishes are better gearing as with the 4:11s I seldom use 1st gear. Better gas mileage would be good with higher gear as then I would make longer trips.
The skinny little air filter is history in the pic.:D

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Why would he rebuild pumps that never properly cooled these engines the way they were?? He ONLY rebuilds them for better flow which improves the cooling. G.M.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

He tries to bust Skips and Shewmans balls every time someone asks about their products. It's very apparent he don't know what he's talking about. G.M.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

I too highly recommend Skip's pumps. I have been running without T-stats and with good airflow and a clean radiator, the temp gauge hangs around 160-165. I might also add that my 46 has been on several long road trips without any issues. Hopefully I haven't jinxed myself saying those kind words about the car! :eek:

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Sorry i thought that was an option... I still run my old pumps. I have only had coils done by skip and one distibutor.

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I put Dennis Carpenter pumps on my '48 F-1. 276ci. flathead. I've run about 2,000 miles in hot and cool weather with no problems. The quality was very good.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

I started a thread "Too Cool" a while back with the premise that my "Hot" (as in 284 ci / ScOT superchared) 59A with Skip's rebuilt truck pumps, a 6 blade truck fan, a super clean block and radiator with Bob's high flow stats ran too cool - could not get the temp past 120 !! In my case Bob sent me another set of Stats without the high flow extra holes and it runs at the correct 160 now!:D

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Thanks for all the input. I will now chew on it and figure out a plan.

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Here's a system operating correctly ,it ran colder than what's needed .You then bring the temperature up with thermostats .

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

"Here's a system operating correctly ,it ran colder than what's needed .You then bring the temperature up with thermostats ."

Concur. That's where I am with 2 flatheads, one 8ba and one 59a, using off the shelf Speedway pumps.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

JM 35 Sedan ...................
Be careful with those Check Valves. In theory, they are perfect. In real life, they will collect dirt, rust, or whatever else is in your motor block, that makes it's way to the valve and clogs it up. I know from experience.
It happened to me, on a slow moving parade on the beach, on a 95* sunny day. When the parade was over, I heard rumblings in my engine. Nothing was coming out of my check valve. After I got home, I took off the check valve and it was clogged shut and some of the internals were rusted away.
Anyone, who has these check valves, should take them off and clean them, ever so often.
I am 100% with you on Skip's water pumps !
MIKE :confused: (mikeburch)

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

Mike, that's a good point on the check valve. I had one that also clogged. I said something to George or Skip about that and if I remember correctly they said to send it back. I put another new one on and just for the heck of it, took the other one apart and found that crud had the valve stuck open. Cleaned it up and put it back together. I put it back on during our cross country trip last year and it works fine again.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

It's hard to make a product that will over come neglect. These engines need to be flushed out once in a while. G.M.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

GM .........................
Most of these engines still have foundry sand in them, from day one.
I don't believe it is possible to have perfectly clean internals, in the cooling system.
When my mishap happened, it was not too long since I had given my engine the vinegar treatment.
It doesn't take much to clog that small opening.
MIKE :confused: (mikeburch)

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

There are thousands of these valves in use with very few problems. It's very simple to rinse them out once a year for the benefit they produce. I believe the instructions tell you to rinse them. After all these years there is very little or no sand being circulated. Any sand lays down along the pan rail and stays there unless it is dug out. G.M.

Re: Water pump rebuilds
 

If you want to know what is involved in rebuilding a water pump, check out this page, http://www.flatheadv8.org/Waterpump/pump.htm it is for the 8BA pumps, however I believe the 78- pumps are the same process. Keep in mind the rebuild kits from what I gather are exactly the same as what originally came in the pump, no new designed impellers or anything like that. As what was mentioned, Skip would be a great source to have this done if you want to keep the look original. Bob Drake actually has some decent pumps for a good price as well that use all the new stuff if original is not a concern.