Water Pump Special Tools

[Gary C.]

I would like to try rebuilding my water pump. The service manual details the procedure and calls out the required special tools needed.

Anyone know how I might aquire the needed tools?

[John M.]

Re: Water Pump Special Tools

Gary,
Unfortunately I have never read the shop manual for rebuilding instructions, but I have just used a hydraulic press to press the pump apart and to press the new shaft rotating element back in. I can't imagine what other tools would be necessary, other than a feeler gauge to set the clearance of the impeller to the pump volute. There were a couple of different seal arrangements used over the years, and the seal that is sold today by most of the vendors will not work with the real old impellers since the impeller will be too thick and will bottom out the seal. You are probably better off to use the new stamped steel impeller that comes with the kit if you are unsure. DO NOT press the pump apart by resting the inlet and outlet legs on the press, You stand a good chance of breaking one of the legs off! Allways press against the main section of the pump.

Regards, John McGraw

[Joe L.]

Re: Water Pump Special Tools

Gary-----

All of the tools are long-since discontinued by Kent-Moore. They are very hard to locate. Fortunately, you don't really need them. You can use improvised tools made up from plate stock, pipe, and other common hardware store items. Such tools will work perfectly for this application (and many others).

A word of caution: I echo the comment made by John regarding pressing against the 2 legs of the water pump casting. The majority of the time, this WILL break the casting.

[Gary C.]

Re: Water Pump Special Tools

Thanks for the help. That makes this even easier and more economical.

[James F.]

Re: Water Pump Special Tools

Gary,
The Generator housing (empty and stood on end) is a good "special tool" to keep the pump mounting ears from breaking off when using a hydraulic press. Regards,