Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

[Mark P.]

I am looking to restore my 66 427 390hp water pump back to original and am unsure what the bypass hose configuration looks like. I ordered A.I.R. and they send me A/C. Go figure. Does anyone have any pictures out there? Since the outlet is a 90 degree turn, I would imagine that it's a direct shot to the engine from there, but would love to see the actual real deal.

If it is a straight shot like I think, anyone know where to get a bypass hose, or do I just cut the one I already have to fit?

Thanks for the help,
Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark-----

Reproductions of the fittings and hose are available from the Corvette parts sources.

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Joe,

I have the fitting, but have had some issue with the hose. That's why I was looking for at least a picture of what it should look like, if possible.

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark----

It's a "U"-shaped, molded hose.

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Joe,

Excuse my ignorance, but since I've never seen an original setup close up, I have the "u" shaped hose, but I have no idea how it works with the pump. I recently purchased the right pump, but have to have the old fitting removed and will need to install the new right angle fitting. I just guessed that it came up out of the water pump and went straight into the engine. Maybe I have no imagination, but how does the u shaped hose work with the correct fitting?

Mark

[Mark G.]

Mark, you have mail - *NM*

[John H.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark -

Here's a '67 BB with A.I.R. and the U-shaped bypass hose from the pump to the intake.

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R. *NM*

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark,

The 90 degree angled fitting that fits into the top of the water pump should be turned slightly toward the front of the car:


I used some emery cloth and some wet/dry sand paper to take the edge off the fitting where it press fits into the water pump to eliminate any scoring of the water pump surface. I also used some thread sealer. It pressed in no problem -no leaks.


Doug

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

John,

From the picture, it looks to me like I have another issue. No wonder I couldn't figure it out. The fitting coming out of my intake manifold is also incorrect. It runs straight out of the front toward the water pump. So do I need two of the right angle fittings? The one out of the water pump is pressed in, but the one out of the manifold is threaded. Am I guessing incorrectly again? My car was converted from being an original A.I.R. car and I am trying to get it back to original without a model to pattern it after and it's proving to be a little tough to figure out at times. Thanks for the picture....very helpful, but it does create more questions for me. Not that I'm complaining! I really do appreciate it.

Thanks,
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Thanks, Doug for the pictures. So what about the fitting that comes out of the manifold? Is it supposed to be threaded and also an elbow, I assume? Mine is currently straight (see my response to John above). I do have the correct fitting to put in the water pump...but I have never pressed one in. What equipment is needed and could I do it myself?

Thanks,
Mark

[Mark P.]

Re: Mark, you have mail -

Mark,

Sorry, no access to the other e-mail address for the next few days. Only the one listed here: Mark_KaylenePugmire@msn.com. Thanks for your help.

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark------

The 90 degree elbow fittings are required at both the waterpump bypass and the front of the intake manifold. For your application, I believe that BOTH of these are a press fit. The '284' waterpump uses a press fit-type fitting and your manifold, if original, should use a press fit type fitting, too. I believe that the reproduction elbow fittings available for your application are press-fit only.

After 1967, the special AIR-only big block waterpump bypass set-up was eliminated. It was not until later yet that the waterpumps and manifolds went to a threaded fitting. So, there's no reason for the reproduction source to manufacture a threaded 90 degree elbow fitting.

[Douglas L.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Mark,

The fitting on the manifold is also a right angle fitting. I believe, but not 100% sure, that it is also a press in fitting. I got this information from the PARAGON catalog which states the bypass fitting for both the water pump and the intake are press-in. I did not have to deal with the manifold fitting on my car, but it looked as if it was a press in fitting. The motor in the car has never been apart, other than the water pump and starter.

I did not use any special tools putting the angled fitting into the water pump. I lined the fitting to the pump. Then, with a small piece of wood over the top of the fitting, I tapped it into place. I think you could easily do it yourself. But, as I said above, I used emery cloth and fine sandpaper to take the rough edge off the elbow fitting.

Now, having said all that above relating to my car, I have friend that has a 66 - 427 A.I.R. car and the fitting into his manifold was threaded. So, threaded, press-in, or either on the manifold - I am not sure. Maybe some other guys can weigh in on this.

Doug

[John H.]

Re: Big Block Water Pump -'66 A.I.R.

Paragon has the special press-in 90* fitting that goes in the front of the intake - their #1623, $25.00.