Water pump seal/rebuild

**RSSSfan** · #1 02-14-2022, 03:52 AM

I have had a correct date coded water pump and rebuild kit for the L35 396 in my 69 Camaro for many years. A buddy gave this to me a long time ago, and I am just now getting around to rebuilding it. I pressed the old parts out of the housing without issue, and successfully pressed in the new shaft and sealed bearing assembly. However, when it came time to install the spring loaded seal, I had a problem with it coming apart. I used a socket that was just large enough to fit over the outer edge of the seal where it seats in the housing, but the other part of the seal is an interference fit on the shaft. It pulled apart and ruined the seal when I did this, so my first question is where can I source another seal? My second question is, should I press on the inner sleeve that presses over the shaft this time? It would be great to talk to someone who has rebuilt these pumps before. Thanks in advance!

**169indy** · #2 02-14-2022, 06:45 PM

Correct, I build a Stepped Bushing socket, you have to "PUSH" on both surfaces simultaneously

**RSSSfan** · #3 02-15-2022, 01:24 AM

Thanks for the reply, Indy. Can you supply me with a part number and a source for a replacement seal? As I previously stated, I have had the pump and seal kit for a long time - I have no idea where the kit came from. There was absolutely no documentation with it.

I assume you fabricated your own installation tool for this task. Do you happen to have any dimensions on the inside of the tool? Maybe I should just pay you to finish the rebuild of my pump.

**169indy** · #4 02-15-2022, 01:45 AM

Hart Bros Core Co. LLC
600 Goldfish Farm Rd SE, Albany, OR 97322
(541) 259-HART (4278)

[email protected]

or

ebay link and contact seller to see if they will VEND just the seal.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/17395354605...gAAOSwXchdXWRF

I would rebuild it for Free, just does not make sense to ship it all this way & I am not a warranty'(d) business.

**RSSSfan** · #5 02-15-2022, 02:22 AM

Yeah, shipping might get a little high. Wouldn't have been an issue at my previous job because I could ship stuff like that for free as part of the perks, but got laid off from there in August.

Sounds like you have quite a bit of experience with them. It doesn't appear to be rocket science, but a few details like a clearance spec for the impellor would be helpful. My buddy has the GM service manual for 1966 Corvette that shows the rebuild and lists a clearance spec, but the pump and impeller are slightly different - short pump body versus the long pump my car takes.

I think I may have found the seal and a tool to install it online, but need to do some more checking.

I appreciate all your help!

**169indy** · #6 02-15-2022, 03:33 AM

https://www.corvettemagazine.com/195...-pump-rebuild/

Do NOT trust step # 10, as you & I have found you Must Push on both lips of the seal otherwise the seal can split & separate, ask me how I know. LoL.