M Water pump going to drive me to drink

Meangreen

Member
So I replaced my water pump on my M a few weeks ago with an aftermarket pump. Everything seems fine (this is actually the second pump, first one had a bad bearing), but for the life of me I can't seem to get it to quit leaking from the front of the pump. I have repeatedly tightened the nut and have added packing (yes I greased the grease zerks prior to adding antifreeze), but after every run you shut the tractor off and it sits for about 5 minutes and once the system had built up pressure it begins to leak. I think the frustrating part is the way they redesigned the way to tighten the nut causes you to have to take the end piece off the shaft as well as one of the studs.

My dad's theory is that the system just needs to "set" itself meaning as you run it over time it will blow out antifreeze through the overflow until the system equalizes itself pressure wise and seal up. He said Model T's were that way. I only have one other tractor with a pressurized cooling system with water pump and when we rebuilt it we had no problems (non IH brand). I guess I'm just a bit frustrated is all.

Oh well, I'll keep on and hope it seals up soon as I am taking it across the state of Nebraska in 3 weeks. Rant over... for now:)
 
I agree with MBFarmall. I rebuilt mine, and made of a video of the process. It is really quite simple, and I think I only had to spend about $75 for new bearings, packing, grease, and gasket material. Not really that much considering what a new aftermarket pump costs that a lot of people do not seem to have very good luck with. A link to the video below. It is a two part video, so you will have to go to 'Part 2' once finished with 'Part 1'.
Farmall M Water Pump Rebuild Part 1
 
Yeah I watched your videos. I actually changed the packing on the shaft after watching your videos. I do still have my old pump so it may get rebuilt in the end.
 
The bushings and condition of the impeller shaft are the sticking point. I have rebuilt many of those pumps , but I just walked up to parts department and got a kit. That is no longer available. Did lot of H pumps also, but IH never offered just the bushings for an H . You pressed the center section out that contained the bushings and packing and replaced it. Kit for them also. Should add, that the inner bushing where impeller rides against is usually worn out along with the face of the impeller. I have never seen a rebuilt pump but doubt they get very carried away with using new parts, impeller especially.
 
I hate after market parts. I avoid them if at all possible. None seem to be as equivalent as original parts. Another thought, I wouldn't be afraid to run it with a non pressurized cap. A pressurized cap probly only going to add to a leak headache. It will still run all the same, just be about 1 quart low on antifreeze when cold due to expanding it out of overflow pipe when heated up to run temperature. When at run temperature, the system will be full due to the expanding from temperature.
 
So in doing some searching for a non-pressurized cap I came across an interesting item. Seems the folks from the parts place in Michigan have redesigned the water pump to eliminate the need for the gland nut and packing. Might want to take a quick look if you have a chance. Wish I would have noticed it before purchasing the one I have because I probably would have gone with that one.

Also, what is the normal pressure for the cooling system on an M?

Thanks
 

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