Stepdown 262ci engine water pumps - ?Have grease fittings?

Xerxes
Xerxes Member
in HUDSON

I have been hearing a whine at low RPM from the front of my 1951 Super 6, 262ci.

I am pretty sure it is not the belt, so possibly it is the water pump? In the past, I have seen a collant additive that supposedly lubes the water pump, but I don't know if this can actually get to bearings.

I asked ChatGPT if there was a way to lubricate the water pump, and it answered back that the 262 should have a grease fitting OR at least have a plug that can be removed and fitting inserted.


I check my water pump, but on cursory look and touch, can find no such fitting or plug.

IS THERE A GREASE FITTING (or plug) on these engines' water pumps?


Thanks.

Best Answers

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    Answer ✓

    Definitely no grease fitting. The bearing is sealed. If the bearing is on the way out it usually growls rather than whines. It could be the generator. Try using a stethescope.

  • atc
    atc Member
    Answer ✓

    I came here to also comment stethoscope. Especially with a long brass rod on the end. Wonderful for finding ticking valves or clacking fuel pumps, bad bearings, etc.

Answers

  • Xerxes
    Xerxes Member

    Great! Thanks to both! Will do when I return to US.

    ALSO, makes sense, as my battery is exhausted after a 3 mile drive (Have not driven it in about one year (just test starts and to get juices flowing)

    Ref GEN, I plan on converting to 12V so will be replacing with a GM Alternator anyway.

  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor

    Your decision, but 12 volts can lead to different problems.

  • atc
    atc Member

    I have no regrets with my 12V conversion. When done right and with a fully restored system, it is an excellent modification that helps me drive my car more often and for more miles.

  • ken1962
    ken1962 Member

    Why bothering with 12 volt upgrade?...waste of time...buy a 6volt alternator ...take the gen off and bolt the alternator on...cheers ken

  • cheyenne7271
    cheyenne7271 Member

    Unless you have AC there is nothing wrong with 6 volts and a generator with all wiring connections and components in good shape. You can have the same issues w any 12v parts. I drove a ‘50 Commodore 6 and also a ‘51 Hornet in Colorado even through the winters with no issues. The only upgrade I did was a huge 6v equipment battery. Those cars still started when plenty of 12v wouldn’t. I get it a one wire GM 10DN alternator is badass.

  • atc
    atc Member

    Air conditioning was one of my primary reasons for upgrading. I put a lot of miles on my car so it's also nice knowing I can give or receive a jump anywhere anytime, or pick up a battery at any auto parts store. My alternator is also an off the shelf part, so road trips feel safer.

    Lights are brighter halogens. Wiring delivers more watts at fewer amps, reducing the risk of electrical fires. It also allows you to run 12V accessories if you desire, like fans, audio equipment, an electric brake booster or PS pump, or defrosters. It's very convenient having a negative ground strap as well when wiring!

    And I hope everyone here is using new, safe wiring in their cars. New cars catch fire from fuel but older cars were usually electrical. It's passed time for a modern fuse block as well. I made all of these changes without sacrificing originality. My system has no issues or drawbacks, other than the sweat equity of the conversion.

    Oh well, to each their own. Every time I mention it someone gets grumpy :) but that's why we all have different flavors of modifications. Some folks like all original. I retain a completely original look, the original engine and trans, and get to share my car with more people this way.

    Happy Hudsoning y'all, and stay safe out there. Keep em rolling.

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