The Ford Barn

Tom in TN · 05-06-2026, 06:34 PM

Hey y’all,
My 34 is running a 1936 flathead with the water pumps in the heads.
Both pumps have zerk fittings for grease AND both pumps have been ‘enhanced’ by Skip. Due to some health issues (cancer) the motor hasn’t been run for maybe 3 years.
I cranked her up the other day and after a short time, the pumps started squealing like stuck pigs. So, I injected some grease and they quieted down.
That was about 3 weeks ago.
Started her up today and the squealing is back.
My questions: Can sealed bearings be installed into these pumps?
Squirting grease into the bearings that are inside there just doesn’t seem to be working like I think it should.
Does Skip (or anyone else) install sealed bearings as a modification for these pumps?

Any other ideas /suggestions?

Thanks

05-06-2026, 06:34 PM	#1
Tom in TN Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Murfreesboro, TN Posts: 272	Water pumps squealing Hey y’all, My 34 is running a 1936 flathead with the water pumps in the heads. Both pumps have zerk fittings for grease AND both pumps have been ‘enhanced’ by Skip. Due to some health issues (cancer) the motor hasn’t been run for maybe 3 years. I cranked her up the other day and after a short time, the pumps started squealing like stuck pigs. So, I injected some grease and they quieted down. That was about 3 weeks ago. Started her up today and the squealing is back. My questions: Can sealed bearings be installed into these pumps? Squirting grease into the bearings that are inside there just doesn’t seem to be working like I think it should. Does Skip (or anyone else) install sealed bearings as a modification for these pumps? Any other ideas /suggestions? Thanks