The Ford Barn

firefirefire90 · 06-19-2010, 04:55 PM

has anyone run into the issue of having to take material off the sides off of the waterpump impeller because it is too large to fit inside the head? I just bought a new leakless impeller for the 1930 model A and when trying to fit it inside the head, the waterpump wont spin. Any input?

many thanks,

-Nick

Special Coupe Frank · 06-19-2010, 05:04 PM

Yes. I have had this experience.

I bought a leakless from Bratton's when I got my new Brassworks radiator, in March.

There was a slip in the water pump box indicating that the impeller might need to be dressed-down a bit, to avoid grinding against the head.

If I remember correctly, it instructed fitting the pump up to the head w/o a gasket, and while holding it in place, to turn the fan-hub.

If dragging is felt, keep turning the hub several revolutions, while pushing-in on the pump.

Remove the pump from the head, and inspect the impeller to see where the high-spots are (will be rusty-red where it was rubbing against the hub). Carefully dress-down the high spots with a grinder, and test-fit again.

When the impeller spins free, install the pump with the gasket.

I had to dress-down the ends of the impeller-fins (the edge facing the firewall, as the pump sits on the engine) on my leakless.

I think it took two fittings, then all was good.

Over 1,000 leakless miles since.

Good luck with yours !

firefirefire90 · 06-19-2010, 05:10 PM

awesome! I looked inside the box, and I guess I confused the packing paper with the instructions. I am also glad that the front grease fitting was just for show, I didn't know what to do with it haha.

Once again, this forum to the rescue.

Bobster · 06-19-2010, 05:11 PM

If you are are using a new or reworked radiator, you may need to dress down the impeller fins. Les Andrew's book has a caution on the latest import water pumps in that they may propel too much water and cause overflow problems. Not sure if this applies to your problem. BW - FWIW

firefirefire90 · 06-19-2010, 05:18 PM

are the radiators just not capable of taking as much water as this spins? The impeller fins don't seem to be that much larger than my original. But I will get to that stage when I do. As of right now, I just want to get this car running!

Special Coupe Frank · 06-19-2010, 05:23 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

One step at a time...

Get your waterpump dialed-in, then see how things are.

My new radiator is the "heavy-duty" 10-fin/inch Brassworks, and I've had no issues with the waterpump pushing water out the overflow.

I'm very pleased with my set-up; my car is a driver (not a show-car), and gets driven quite a bit... through some pretty hot days recently... it's been behaving.

This forum is a God-send !

06-19-2010, 04:55 PM	#1
firefirefire90 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco/San Diego, CA Posts: 47	new waterpump too big? has anyone run into the issue of having to take material off the sides off of the waterpump impeller because it is too large to fit inside the head? I just bought a new leakless impeller for the 1930 model A and when trying to fit it inside the head, the waterpump wont spin. Any input? many thanks, -Nick __________________ the token youngin'

06-19-2010, 05:04 PM	#2
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: new waterpump too big? Yes. I have had this experience. I bought a leakless from Bratton's when I got my new Brassworks radiator, in March. There was a slip in the water pump box indicating that the impeller might need to be dressed-down a bit, to avoid grinding against the head. If I remember correctly, it instructed fitting the pump up to the head w/o a gasket, and while holding it in place, to turn the fan-hub. If dragging is felt, keep turning the hub several revolutions, while pushing-in on the pump. Remove the pump from the head, and inspect the impeller to see where the high-spots are (will be rusty-red where it was rubbing against the hub). Carefully dress-down the high spots with a grinder, and test-fit again. When the impeller spins free, install the pump with the gasket. I had to dress-down the ends of the impeller-fins (the edge facing the firewall, as the pump sits on the engine) on my leakless. I think it took two fittings, then all was good. Over 1,000 leakless miles since. Good luck with yours !

06-19-2010, 05:10 PM	#3
firefirefire90 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco/San Diego, CA Posts: 47	Re: new waterpump too big? awesome! I looked inside the box, and I guess I confused the packing paper with the instructions. I am also glad that the front grease fitting was just for show, I didn't know what to do with it haha. Once again, this forum to the rescue. __________________ the token youngin'

06-19-2010, 05:11 PM	#4
Bobster Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Huntington, WV Posts: 52	Re: new waterpump too big? If you are are using a new or reworked radiator, you may need to dress down the impeller fins. Les Andrew's book has a caution on the latest import water pumps in that they may propel too much water and cause overflow problems. Not sure if this applies to your problem. BW - FWIW __________________ BW in WV

06-19-2010, 05:18 PM	#5
firefirefire90 Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Francisco/San Diego, CA Posts: 47	Re: new waterpump too big? are the radiators just not capable of taking as much water as this spins? The impeller fins don't seem to be that much larger than my original. But I will get to that stage when I do. As of right now, I just want to get this car running! __________________ the token youngin'

06-19-2010, 05:23 PM	#6
Special Coupe Frank Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Northeast Penna Posts: 2,108	Re: new waterpump too big? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) One step at a time... Get your waterpump dialed-in, then see how things are. My new radiator is the "heavy-duty" 10-fin/inch Brassworks, and I've had no issues with the waterpump pushing water out the overflow. I'm very pleased with my set-up; my car is a driver (not a show-car), and gets driven quite a bit... through some pretty hot days recently... it's been behaving. This forum is a God-send !