water pump

[Steve (PA)]

On my TO 30, does the water pump have a 'weep hole' that allows coolant to dribble out when the seal or bushing is wearing out?

 

[Jeff-oh]

Short answer... Yes.

Long answer... Here is an exserpt from a forth coming article I wrote for the Ferguson Furrows...

"The water pump used on the TO-20, TO-30 and TE-20 is an impeller type and is driven by the fan belt. The pump turns in a double row, sealed, pre-lubricated bearing that does not need extra lubrication. Both a stamped brass and a cast iron type impeller have been used in the water pump. The water pump has a spring-loaded rubber seal and graphite washer. The washer turns on a machined face to prevent coolant from leaking around the shaft. If a leak does occur, a brass slinger ring throws the coolant off the shaft to protect the bearing. This coolant then drains out a hole in the water pump housing. Coolant draining from the bottom of the pump housing is an early indication of a seal failure."

Thus, your water pum seal is starting to go and you'll want to get it fixed before it fails.

Jeff

 

[Steve (PA)]

Thanks for the informative reply.
As soon as the barn warms up, I'll pull the old pump. Think I'll have the radiator flushed and pressure-tested while I'm working on that end of the engine.