1959 Water Pump need replaced?

[PaulB]

There is a slight play in my water pump when you grab the fan and you move it back and forth. I was told by someone that it means my water pump should be replaced. I have not heard of this before and thought a very slight play was normal. But I could be wrong. Anyone have an opinion on this?

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[sre]

Very slight play maybe alright. I guess it comes down to do you want to change it in the garage or a shop 50 miles from home. I would choose to change it in my garage at my convienence. It's called preventative maintenance. Please don't take this the wrong way I'm being practical.

 

[Ward 57]

Very slight play maybe alright. I guess it comes down to do you want to change it in the garage or a shop 50 miles from home. I would choose to change it in my garage at my convienence. It's called preventative maintenance. Please don't take this the wrong way I'm being practical.

You have to ask if he is up to the task. removing the fan shroud is easy in the '55-'57s and can get right to it. Don't know what you have to work through on a '59. Once you have the room it's not a tough job.

 

[74 Harley]

Replace it. Any movement means the bushing is worn, it's only a matter of time and it will start leaking. Normally in the most inconvenient location possible to drive to. Water pumps are cheap. Towing isn't.

 

[Pink T-Bird]

Make sure you are grabbing the pulley, not the fan to check for wobble/play. There is some amount of flex in the fan blades. Since you have a '59 I'm guessing this is a 430 or a 352 motor. With the car running you should be able to see the wobble if it is time to replace. I also usually hear the bearing start to "complain" (sounds a like a couple pebbles rattling in an empty tin can).
I would also go with getting your pump rebuilt at a specialist rather than getting a new or parts store chain rebuild. There are several listed in Hemmings, and I can personally recommend Arthur Gould in MA.

 

[Ward 57]

When my water pump went out a few years ago there were no noise or play issues. I only discovered it when starting it up in the spring, I was splattered with water when standing by the side. Turns out it was leaking out the weep hole at the bottom of the pump.

 

[ldella]

There is a slight play in my water pump when you grab the fan and you move it back and forth. I was told by someone that it means my water pump should be replaced. I have not heard of this before and thought a very slight play was normal. But I could be wrong. Anyone have an opinion on this?

If you have a small play , I would replace the pump, because if the water pump fails ,the fan blade will go through the radiator.$$$

 

[Pink T-Bird]

…if the water pump fails ,the fan blade will go through the radiator.$$$

Not true. Having had 2 different water pumps fail on FE motors while on the interstate at highway speed, neither ruined the radiator. But it did ruin my road trips. Neither had play in the pulley prior to the trip. If you have play now I’d replace at you’re own time and place Not in the hotel parking lot.