Water pump sealed bearings instead of packing.

[Smooth_One]

I was thinking of getting the sealed bearings for my pump instead of watching it leak on my garage floor because I can't get the packing in correctly.
Anyone use both and have comments about it?

Good/Bad?

[MickeyT]

When I replaced my old leaky one I went with a new leakless model and all I can say is it doesn't leak anymore.

[Synchro909]

I hope I haven't misinterpreted your question but it's not the sealed bearing that seals the water pump. It is a neoprene seal at the back that seals against the shaft instead of the gland packing that does. You may be on the wrong track.

[WHN]

For 30 years I used the original style water pump.

For the last almost 30 years I have been using the leakless water pump.

No comparison. No leaks, no problems. No over heating issues either.

[Tacoma Bob]

Went with James Rupert's heavy duty leak less...........................perfecto.

[Smooth_One]

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[3.6rs]

Originally Posted by WHN

For 30 years I used the original style water pump.

For the last almost 30 years I have been using the leakless water pump.

No comparison. No leaks, no problems. No over heating issues either.

Same for me.

[Kevin in NJ]

I have seen some leakless pumps start leaking. It is easy enough to have a leakless pump also with the original type seal. Seems like the best solution in my book. Have it all packed and ready to go if the seal goes.

FWIW, my brothers car has the original type untouched since 1970 with no problems and many miles.

[daren007]

Sealed bearings are not designed to keep water out in this application. You will soon have a bearing failure. I looked into rebuilding my water pump but was told to install a leakless pump. Leakless pumps will leak eventually but I will most likely be looking at the bottom side of a grass lawn by then.

[jw hash]

the rear water pump bushing is not a bearing. I like Kevin, I rebuild the water pumps with a sealed bushing and the original style packing nut with packing installed. as a back up. so if it starts leaking just tighten the nut and away you go. if you are running a
leak less pump, DO NOT run the engine without water. it will take out the seal with in seconds. if you are going to run it remove the fan belt.

[Dick So. Cal.]

I also run a sealed waterpump, but each time I check the oil, I put that drop on the end of the dipstick on the shaft next to the packing nut. Never had a problem. I might even dip twice and put a drop on the front end of the visible shaft.
What's there to lose? Again, never had a problem in 12 years and 15K miles.
Dick Wyckoff

[Synchro909]

I believe the "leakless" water pumps are only good for about 20,000 miles, then you're best to throw it away and put on a new one. I wouldn't use one without having either a spare under the seat or the ability to use the original style packing nut as a backup just to get home. That said, I do a conversion on mine and run a modern seal. It's fiddley but I expect my converted pumps to outlast me and I do a lot of miles - 15,000 on the one trip so far is the max. The conversion can't be spotted after it is done.

[redmodelt]

You can rebuild all the water pumps you want but if the shaft is worn or pitted, no seal is going to work.

[1930marie]

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

Went with James Rupert's heavy duty leak less...........................perfecto.

X 2 excellent product and service. My new motor included his "extreme duty" sealed bearing pump. One can put your hand on my block after an hour run and not hot. Another potential road issue is now history.

I bought another pump from Mr Rupert only a few weeks ago for a back up motor. Mr Rupert builds a superb pump and gives our drives one less thing to repair. I do carry a stock backup pump I rebuilt a few years ago just in case my Dad is looking down on me. A properly set up original pump worked in all Dads cars and mine for 60 years and we always made it to where ever, but I am a "Rupert Believer" now.

[Smooth_One]

Thanks for the info as always everyone!!

[Dave in MN]

Originally Posted by Tacoma Bob

Went with James Rupert's heavy duty leak less...........................perfecto.

x3 James has a good product and is a Gent to work with!
His Heavy Duty Leak less has worked for 60,000 miles in my 4# pressurized system.
Good Day!

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by redmodelt

You can rebuild all the water pumps you want but if the shaft is worn or pitted, no seal is going to work.

I'm afraid that is not so, Red. With my conversion, nothing runs on the shaft. That's why the soft shafts vendors sell these days don't matter. I've ranted about those before so I won't do it again. I use ball bearings to mount the shaft and a modern ceramic seal. Like I said, nothing runs on the shaft so a few pits don't matter. If you stick with the ancient technique used by Ford or the not much better neoprene seal, what you say is correct but......