1954 water pump leak

[Ted K.]

Finally started my 54 after rebuild. Water pump leaking at bearing/seal. Is there any sealer that is safe to add to radiator that will successfully correct leak without clogging up radiator and heater?
If it needs to be rebuilt does it need to be sent off or are parts available to have it rebuilt locally. If it requires send off, who would you suggest.
Thanks, Ted

[Mike M.]

Re: 1954 water pump leak

my first call would be to Bill Mock, oklahoma. he ads in the driveline.mike

[Joe L.]

Re: 1954 water pump leak

Finally started my 54 after rebuild. Water pump leaking at bearing/seal. Is there any sealer that is safe to add to radiator that will successfully correct leak without clogging up radiator and heater?
If it needs to be rebuilt does it need to be sent off or are parts available to have it rebuilt locally. If it requires send off, who would you suggest.
Thanks, Ted

Ted-----

First of all, you may get a small amount of "weepage" from a waterpump seal if the pump has remained unused for a long time. So, it's possible the leak, if quite small, will "cure itself" in relatively short order. Waterpumps use a mechanical seal and it is NOT 100% "weep-free". That's why pumps have weep holes.

As far as a sealant goes, I doubt that any sealer will correct a real waterpump seal problem. However, it's not beyond the realm of possibility. So, I'd recommend installing some GM coolant tabs, GM #3634621. GM recommends that these be installed whenever coolant is changed in virtually any GM product. In fact, for later models, it's a warranty REQUIREMENT.

If the tabs solve your problem, you're done. If not, they will, at least, offer protection from other coolant system leaks. Plus, you have the comfort of knowing that they're GM-approved and recommended.

If they don't solve the problem, I think you'll need to send the pump off to someone like Bill Mock. I don't know of a source for bearings and seals for 6 cylinder pumps, but I'm sure Bill has it all figured out.