What would you do?

[Larry2809c]

I have a John Deere 60, (new paint and decals) and the water pump has developed a small leak. Would you take the pump off and repair it, or would you use a can of "stop leak" Thanks.

 

[Evan-Canada]

I would try a can of stop leak first, because what have you got to lose?

 

[jbp]

Replace the water pump. All stopleak is good for is to stop up your radiator and cause overheating and a radiator removal and cleaning in the future. Removing the radiator on a 60 just isn't my idea of fun.BTDT
Joe

 

[Skyhawk Greg]

If the leak is around a gasket, some stopleak may help. Personally, I have not had much success with stopleak products and old tractors. If the leak is around the shaft, you will be surprised how quickly a small leak can turn into a large leak (OK now, but two minutes later it can go straight to gushing). Replacing the pump is an easy project and they are readily available.

 

[tim s]

Pull the pump and re-build it, If you can't do it your self get a re-built one,,they are kinda ornery to press apart, I bought a 60 last fall that sat in the back of a shed for 10 years because it had a water pump bearing out,,the guy couldn't or didn't want to mess with it, a strait 1955.with all the trimmings.

 

[alabamafrog]

Proper advice would be to fix it right but,
With my luck the bolts would snap off in the radiator and the tube would break off in the pump. Every time I think something will be simple and easy Murphy’s law takes over.
It depends on what the tractor is used for and your personality but I, personally, would try a good quality stop leak first then if that didn’t work I might drain the radiator and block and replace the pump and antifreeze.
When I put the head back on my 48 A it was weeping coolant out and I put a can of stop leak in it and let it run for about an hour then shut it off for a day or two and the leak stopped.

The pump on my 60 was completely rusted up, I just wanted to see if I could get the tractor to run before buying too many parts so I pressed the shaft out of it and brazed up the hole then put it back on. So far it has worked just fine with no water pump or thermostat, temp gauge hardly moves but I do not work the tractor, just parade and show. If I ever decide to paint it I might replace the pump and fix it right first.

 

[Ben.So.Tex.]

Fix it and it may last another 50 years.

 

[NW MO Poppers]

I personally have never had luck with stop leak fixing a water pump leak. Changing the seals really isnt that bad of a job. Couple of hours tops if you"ve never done one.

 

[Fred from MO]

You and I have the same luck!

 

[HaroldJD60]

Larry, I would replace the seal, I have done two 60s and two 70s, its no big deal. Your JD dealer should have the parts and a mechanic to repair it if you think you cant do it yourself. Stopleak may stop it for a while when the tractor is parked but when start it up it will squirt all over your new paint job again. Get a new pump kit or a rebuilt pump may not cost much more. you wont be sorry. --------Harold

 

[Anonymous-0]

If it were mine I'd rebuild or replace the pump. If your just tring to unload it on someone you can try the stop leak.

 

[Paul Hearsey]

I posted a question about the water pump on my JD 70 just last week. The guys here listed for me the parts needed to rebuild my pump. I phoned the closest Deere dealer (a three hour drive away), told him what I needed, he knew exactly what I was talking about (wow!) and five minutes later I had paid for those parts by credit card. They'll arrive in the mail any day now. Couldn't have been easier! Paul