64 Water Pump

[Chris R.]

The water pump on my 64 327-300 is beginning to leak around the fan. The fan wobbles with little effort so I'm sure there is a bearing going out.

Can the pump be refurbished or do I have to replace the entire pump. If it can be repaired, who can I send it to? The water pump appears to be original to the car.

If I have to replace the entire pump, where is the best place to get the correct replacement. My car is a driver but I anticipate restoring it in the near future.

Thanks,
Chris Rose
Memphis, TN

[Chuck S.]

Re: 64 Water Pump

Chris, my experience is that small block Chevy water pumps last about 50K miles on average...if you have more mileage than that, maybe less considering forty years accumulation in the radiator to ruin the seal, it's very likely not the original pump.

But, check the casting number on the back side to see if it matches the car...If it is the original, I would DEFINITELY have it rebuilt. In fact, even if it is the correct configuration for your car, I would still have it rebuilt; the casting date is typically not judged and it's getting harder to find water pumps that are correctly configured. You'll need a 63-64 judge to tell you if your pump is correct...there is no point in having an incorrect core rebuilt. If you are an NCRS member, you can contact the 63-64 Team Leader listed in the front of the "Restorer".

Several water pump rebuilders are mentioned in the archives (see header above). Try searching on "water pump rebuild", click "all Terms", and click "Search".

[Jim T.]

Re: 64 Water Pump

Chris the water pump can be rebuilt. Since your car is a driver I would recommend getting a quality rebuilt unit from Auto Zone, Advance Auto, or your favorite parts store. You may get lucky and get a rebuilt one with the same numbers that is on your 64. Check out the NCRS Driveline for rebuilders of your pump. One thing for sure if you go ahead with the rebuilt, it will be cheaper than rebuilding yours and you can get a lifetime guarantee.

[James W.]

Re: 64 Water Pump

Chris,

I would get in contact with NCRS member Bill Clupper. If I remember correctly I bought a correct, rebuilt water pump from him for my '64 327/300 Corvette.

Regards,

James West
Omaha, NE.
NCRS Nebraska Chapter Co-Chairman

[Joe L.]

Re: 64 Water Pump

Chris-----

The original waterpump used on your engine was a GM casting # 3782608. Dating for the '608' casting did not begin until about March, 1964. So, if you car was built prior to about April, 1964 it should have an undated GM #3782608. If it was built after that time, you should have a dated pump with a date appropriate to the engine build date. If you have either of the aforementioned, then you likely have the original pump. In that case, I'd get it rebuilt.

The 3782608 casting does not have a waterpump bypass fitting on the top. In your case, if this is present it will be plugged with a pipe plug. If you see this feature on your pump, which is very common on rebuilt and new SERVICE waterpumps, you'll know, for sure, that it's not the original or, even, a correct pump for your application. However, it's very possible that such a pump, if an original GM casting, might be very desirable for another Corvette restorer.

The 3782608 casting is quite common. However, there are differences in the castings. All Corvettes used Saginaw-cast '608' castings. These castings do not have reinforcing ribs on the driver's side of the casting. Most Tonawanda-cast pumps DO have reinforcing ribs on the driver's side of the pump. None of these pumps were ever originally used on a Corvette, so it's best to stay away from these castings.

[Chris R.]

Thanks to All - Chris *NM*