Think it's broke? 608 water pump.....

[Jim V.]

Did the utlimate Bubba while attempting to rebuild my water pump. After successfully pressing the hub off I thought I was on a roll until pressing the impeller shaft......Needless to say I had that sinking feeling.... Lesson learned ...be sure to support the pump centrally under the impeller perimeter rather than the pump legs.

Looks like there is one less original 306 water pump in the world...

[Joe L.]

Re: Think it's broke? 608 water pump.....

Jim------

VERY common problem when the "uninitiated" attempt to rebuild a small block waterpump. I've warned of this very thing several times before in responses to other folks. One ABSOLUTELY MUST press against the rear pump gasket surface and NEVER the legs. To do this I use a 3" section of large OD pipe that is square on both ends.

[Clem Z.]

like they say

"a LITTLE knowledge is a dangerous thing" a center section from a old starter or generator should work

[Donald B.]

Re: like they say

Depending on how important that particular piece is - you could contact Jerry McNeish (Z28 Restoration)about repairing the piece.

[Phil P.]

cast iron = styrafoam *NM*

[Jim V.]

Cores are relatively cheap....

Should be able to pick up a correct core reasonably. Just a PITA time-wise. Didn't even cross my mind that it could be salvaged.

Oh....What is worse than a "little knowledge" is being in a hurry. I like the starter core idea. We did learn something...how not to do the job.

Thanks all

[Joe L.]

Re: cast iron = styrafoam

PHIL-----

It depends on what type of cast iron one is talking about; there are many different types. All Chevrolet small block and big block cast iron waterpumps are manufactured from gray cast iron. This is the weakest type of cast iron and it's quite brittle. However, it's also the least expensive form of cast iron and that's why it's been used for many years for most cast iron engine components.

Nodular, malleable, and ductile cast iron are stronger and, as their names imply, are much more resistant to breakage. They bend before they break---gray iron usually won't.

[Dennis H.]

Re: Think it's broke? 608 water pump.....

Jim, if your still looking I think I have a 608 pump that could use a rebuild.

[Jim V.]

Re: Think it's broke? 608 water pump.....

Sure Dennis...send info to my email JNVisco AT yahoo DOT com. Appreciate it.