Water pumps squealing

[Tom in TN]

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

[ford38v8]

If you’re using plain water as a coolant, add some water pump lubricant.

[mcgarrett]

Is the belt old and dry? Try spraying some belt dressing on the belt and see if that helps. Most auto parts stores sell it.

[Tom in TN]

Originally Posted by ford38v8

If you’re using plain water as a coolant, add some water pump lubricant.

Thanks, but I'm running a 50/50 mix of anti-freeze and water..

[hueyhoolihan]

Originally Posted by mcgarrett

Is the belt old and dry? Try spraying some belt dressing on the belt and see if that helps. Most auto parts stores sell it.

my first thought when hearing a squeal from the engine compartment is always "belt" too.

[glennpm]

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George Haney

[kevinshea]

The Squeal certainly would suggest first looking at the bearing, the belt, etc.. all the external things. Have you used a stethoscope/stick to try to isolate the noise?

Then, given that the coolant has sat for 3 years, you may well have some gel in the coolant passages ( I did!).. look into how antifreeze that sits turns into gel.. My suggestion is to use Thermocure to flush out the system and assure yourself of a nice clean system, and avoid any overheating when you are on the road again. I ordered Thermocure at my local Oreillys. Also, folks in the Fordbard suggest No-Rosion.

The coolant and the gel often do find the low points, but your 35 has elevated water pumps. The pumps should be a pretty straightforward job to remove and check the status.

[Terry,OH]

Give Skip a call early in the morning.