How much is too much
 

I found this girl in storage. It had been stored 30+ years.
Through the knowledgebase here and some YouTube videos, I was able to get it running. It had a signifigant leak at the water pump. More knowledge gathering I learned how the waterpump worked. Previous owner had filled the whole cavity with grease. I literally had to scope it out with a spoon. I also found there was no packing. While working with it I discovered about a 1/4" movement in the shaft, back and forth. Some have mentioned there may be some movement, but I thought this was a lot.

I tried to attach a video, but too new to the forum.

Re: How much is too much
 

I believe that the spec is 0.003” shaft play, so 0.250” (1/4”) is excessive. It allows the fan to move around, not desirable. This likely indicates excessive wear in the cylinder head. Vendors sell an extra long shaft to accommodate for this. As a “get by” alternative you might consider installing a thrust collar (Snyder’s A-8511-C) on the pump shaft to control movement.

Nice barn find! Should be a lot of fun to work on. I love the fender-mount turn signals.

Re: How much is too much
 

Nice Find! Welcome to the Barn!

Re: How much is too much
 

Looks like it might clean up pretty well. As per above answer, yes, there's probably wear inside the cylinder head on the boss that the end of the water pump shaft rides on. Only my opinion, but I think you are better off with the collar mentioned instead of the longer shaft. The collar can be installed to give you the desired .003" - .005" endplay whereas there's no way to guess at how much wear there is inside the head. If the new, longer shaft is too long, you'll cause other problems with how the water pump fits to the head.

Keep investigating & asking questions. You'll learn a lot along the way. Good Luck.

Re: How much is too much
 

The shafts for the leak proof water pumps do not back and forth. This may be a good option for you. They do not leak and have sealed bearings. See https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...d=979246&cat=0

Re: How much is too much
 

"Excessive wear on the cylinder head" does that equal a head replacement in the near future?

Re: How much is too much
 

Would the collar be considered a fix or more of a bandaid?

Re: How much is too much
 

Thanks for all the feedback. I love all the unique knowledge on this forum. The car is a '28. She's far from original but full of originality.

Re: How much is too much
 

Some may call it a bandaid but I have had one one my car for ~10 years so I call it a "repair".

Re: How much is too much
 

I drilled and tapped the wear spot in the head and used a bolt

Re: How much is too much
 

Sounds like a fix to me.

Re: How much is too much
 

Not necessarily, only if it is worn through to the water jacket behind it. On the other hand, if the rest of the engine is sound a high compression head can contribute significantly to more power.

Re: How much is too much
 

The shaft on these is held in place by a snap ring installed in a groove machined into the shaft, in front of the front bearing.

Re: How much is too much
 

I have installed 2 collars and they work great. I would consider it a repair.

Re: How much is too much
 

You can also move the impeller for adjustment.

Re: How much is too much
 

https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...p;d=1732798428

mattgic's Ford Model A Town Sports Coupe