Water Pump Grease

Unknown

I am a recent owner of a 1940 Hudson with a water pump problem. My Mechanical Procedure Manual tells me that the water pump should be lubed every 1,000 miles with an aluminum soap based grease of 7.50 to 8.50% aluminum soap. This grease is not suppose to dissolve in hot water. Regular chassis grease is not supposed to be used. I haven't found anyone who knows what this is, including a tech from Exon-Mobil. What is a modern equivalent that folks are using?

Also, does anyone have a source for the special grease fitting used that prevents the insertion of too much grease?

[Deleted User]

I have used Penzoil Marine NLGI grade #2 Grease on the 212 in my '39 without any problems.


Kevin C.

Unknown

I do not have a Hudson (so please don't flame me) but a 1941 flathead Cadillac, whose water pump also requires lubrication. I hope this helps.

It has a standard zerk fitting as opposed to one that somehow prevents over lubrication - which doesn't seem to be present on yours at the moment. So FWIW I've been advised to (1) use a hand operated grease gun so as to get better tactile feedback then a lever / air gun, and (2) lube until one --just-- begins to feel resistance then immediately stop.

I have been recommended to use Lubriplate grease, although it's hard to find on the shelf here but available online. However one of the Packard / Cadillac mapmakers in my club has also said that for general use modern high quality chassis grease would work fine. Kevin's suggestion seems much more obtainable, I would think though boat shops locally.

[Deleted User]

The speacial grease fitting you ask about may be a grease "Cup". I have seen these on older hudsons pumps . Not real sure where to get new ones ,maybe people that have stationary engine parts.
Those cups would be lilled with grease and as the cap ws turned grease was pushed out the bottom
Roger

Geoff

The water pumps had a special pressure release nipple that opened when the pressure within got to a pre-determined level, and squirted any excess grease out, rather than past the seal into the water.

hudsn47

That explains it, I thought my zerk was bad since the grease has been coming out the side of the fitting.

SuperDave

Model A Ford water pumps use a special grease and it is available from Model A suppliers. comes in a small can so is intended to be used in a grease cup, but could be loaded into a small grease gun/pump.:cheer:

[Deleted User]

Thanks Geoff for setting us straight on those
Roger

kamzack

Modern terminology would be Aluminum complex grease. Contact Lubrication Engineers, 800-537-7683. They amnufacture 2 or 3 types of aluminum complex greases with both high rpms and hi temps.
Hope this helps,
Kim

Park_W

I would think wheel bearing grease would be good, since it's intended to deal with a "watery" environment.

Huddy42

Years ago when we had service stations we just used marine grease from the local marine shop, never had a problem.

Unknown

Thanks for all of the input. I have been able to get a NOS water pump that has the pressure relief fitting from billandcharliesantiqueauto on Ebay.

However it does not include the impeller housing. Therefore I needed the impeller housing gasket which I have ordered from Dale Cooper - http://www.hudsonmotorcarco.com.

The Lubriplate water pump grease is available from Restoration Supply Co. - www.restorationstuff.com.

Hopefully when this all comes together and the snow melts, I will be back on the road.