how to rebuild water pumps

[Denny J.]

I have 2 water pumps I do not want to take my eyes off but need them rebuilt.Is this some thing I CAN DO.1 is a 1962 the other is 1972 no bypass.Or is there a NCRS person in CHICAGO.Denny

[Rob Dame]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

You should be able to do it yourself

http://www.corvettemagazine.com/2006/january/waterpump/waterpump.asp

[Chuck S.]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

I agree...It's not rocket science; if you can restore a car, you've probably got the necessary mechanical skills. You will need a hydraulic or arbor press to press on the impeller and pulley.

[Joe L.]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

Chuck-----

I agree, too. However, there is some "art" to this. It is VERY, VERY easy to break the waterpump casting if the pressing operation is not done properly and carefully. Also, it's VERY easy to end up with excessive runout on the flange. Also, it's VERY easy to end up with a poorly performing waterpump if the impeller-to-bowl clearance is not set up properly.

[Chris D.]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

As the link shows, this is not a tough job if you can get access to an arbor press. Before you press off the hub, measure the location. The 5.62" shown in that link is close if your '62 is a 340 or 360 hp version. My unofficial source claims 5.670" for the solid lifter engines, 5.545" for the 250 / 300.

Shop manual refers to different sized spacer tools without revealing any measurements.

The '72 is a different pump; shows 5.795" for your '72 (small block, I assume). Get it right so your pulleys line up.

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

How could I find the correct dimension for a '65 396 with a 3856284 casting?

[Jimmy G.]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

Smart money is to send it to Arthur Gould in NY

Professional, affordable and good turn around time

He will even rebuild rather than restore for a BOWTIE type car

[Joe L.]

Re: how to rebuild water pumps

Mark----

Spec is 5-3/4".

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Thank You Joe, 5-3/4" it is. *NM*

[Dave Suesz]

OK, I gotta ask...

why does the article cover "56-82"? Why not "55-82"? I've gotta 55 pump to rebuild.

[Roy B.]

Re: OK, I gotta ask...

It's the same as the 55 the 56 and who cares about the 55's anyway! Ha!

[Dave Suesz]

I suspected as much...

but if they can screw up an itsy-bitsy thing like what year Chevy introduced the V8 engine, I have to wonder what they screwed up in the tech portion.