water pump question

ArtS
ArtS Expert Adviser
edited November -1 in HUDSON
Does the 6 cyl water pump (53 Hornet 308 Twin-H) require any routine maintenance to keep the bearing properly lubricated? Sometimes on extended drives, around 60 miles or so at 50-60 mph, I get a water pump bearing-type clattering noise from the front of the engine. I can make it go away if I drive slowly and avoid rapid acceleration or fast shifts on the Hydramatic or if I simply shut down the engine, let it sit a bit, then re-start. I noticed a screw plug on the underside of the pump body. Is that the place to inject some water pump grease? I don't have a coolant leak and there doesn't appear to be any forward/backward play. Any comments will be appreciated. Best wishes. ArtS

Comments

  • harry54
    harry54 Senior Contributor
    Are you sure it's the water pump? Sounds like it could be something else. If it were the water pump the noise probably wouldn't go away... just get worse. My guess is you might have something else that is loose... Does the car have twin H ? I would make sure the air cleaners are tightened securely. Does the water pump make noise when the car is in nuetral and your racing the engine ? Take a close look with the Hood up while racing the engine and try to pin point the noise.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    Water pump grease? :confused: Have you checked the blinker fluid? :rolleyes: Sorry, couldn't resist. And to answer your question, no. Hudson used a permanently lubricated ball bearing type pump. So, your options are to drive slower (bad option) or find someone who can accurately diagnose the problem.
  • ArtS
    ArtS Expert Adviser
    harry54 wrote:
    Are you sure it's the water pump? Sounds like it could be something else. If it were the water pump the noise probably wouldn't go away... just get worse. My guess is you might have something else that is loose... Does the car have twin H ? I would make sure the air cleaners are tightened securely. Does the water pump make noise when the car is in nuetral and your racing the engine ? Take a close look with the Hood up while racing the engine and try to pin point the noise.



    Harry: Air cleaner clamps are snug. Noise more apparent when in neutral and at fast idle. Less obvious when car is put in gear and accelerated slowly. Typically the noise crops up when I am slowing down from 50 mph and the engine is working against both brake force and transmission downshifts. At idle, the clattering/grinding noise is most apparent at front, left side of engine. Sort of comes and goes at idle. Recently, I had my backup generator rebuilt but have not yet installed it since the old one is putting out a charge just fine. I suppose it could be the bearings on the older generator currently in the vehicle but I added oil to both cups a couple of months ago so they should not be bone dry. Thanks for your help.
  • Geoff
    Geoff Senior Contributor
    My guess would be bad generator bearings, or loose timing chain. Why not use the stethecope method. Get a length of wooden dowel, about a metre long, hold one end against the ball of your thumb. Put one end on where the noise seems to be coming from, and press the point of your thumb into your ear. The noise will be clearly heard, and when it is loudest, you have located the area where the problem is.

    Geoff.
  • ArtS
    ArtS Expert Adviser
    Geoff C., N.Z. wrote:
    My guess would be bad generator bearings, or loose timing chain. Why not use the stethecope method. Get a length of wooden dowel, about a metre long, hold one end against the ball of your thumb. Put one end on where the noise seems to be coming from, and press the point of your thumb into your ear. The noise will be clearly heard, and when it is loudest, you have located the area where the problem is.

    Geoff.



    Yes, it seems the time has come to install the rebuilt generator I've been hoarding. As for the wooden dowel, I keep forgetting to toss one in the back seat before I drive off. Of course, when I finally remember, the noise will never return! Thanks for advice, Geoff. ArtS
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