'66 427 Water Pump Reinforcement Use

[R N.]

Hi All,

What is the correct use of the water pump pulley reinforcement that fit behind the pully of the water pump used on 427's.

Was it only used on the 427 L-36 with air? Or was it used on all 427's?

Thanks for your help.
Kurt

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 427 Water Pump Reinforcement Use

Kurt-----

I don't think that the reinforcement was used for any big block waterpump pullies. I think that you will find that there is a welded-in reinforcement on the big block pullies. I don't know of any case in which the seperate reinforcement is used with a pulley with the welded-in reinforcement. Notwithstanding whether big block pullies have the welded-in reinforcement, I don't think that the seperate reinforcement was used.

[R N.]

Re: '66 427 Water Pump Reinforcement Use

Thanks Joe, I asked the question because the judging manual mentions the reinforment, but doesn't state specifically L-72/L-36, the AIM doesn't show it for L-72, L-36 or C60 so it caused some confusion I was hoping to get cleared up.

Thanks,
Kurt

[Joe L.]

Re: '66 427 Water Pump Reinforcement Use

Kurt-----

The reinforcement was used on some small block pullies, but I don't have any recollection of it being used on big block pullies. I can't say that with certainty, though.

[R N.]

Thanks Joe *NM*

[Peter L.]

Re: '66 427 Water Pump Reinforcement Use

Kurt - The water pump pulley reinforcement #3720616 use I believe you are referring to was for small block engines specifically as noted "Water Pump Pulley Failure 1966 Corvette with 350 H.P. 327 Cu. In. Engine" which was the subject of Chevrolet Technical Service Bulletin DR #66-40. As Joe mentioned, he was not aware of any BB water pump pulley issues and I did not find any Technical Service Bulletin in that era that indicated or advised of a problem with BB water pump pulleys. Specifically, the TSB indicated some 1966 350 H.P. 327 cu. in Corvettes equipped with two or three groove water pump pulleys may experience pulley failures due to insufficient support of the pulley in the hub area. Pete

[R N.]

Thanks for the addition info Pete. *NM*