Idle overheating finally fixed!!1

[AdamB]

Hi, I have a 1979 Chevy 350 rebuilt with an alpha one that I purchased used last year. When I bought it, the owner had taken out the thermostat and apparently was trying to cover up an idle overheat problem, because when I went to change the stat to a 140 instead of 160 (which is what I thought he had), I discovered there wasn't one. Anyhow, I put one in and it started to overheat at an idle.<br /><br />Anyhow, got a water pump (impellor) kit, installed it, and put it back together. Still overheated. Okay, was told to change out the upper water cover, put it back together and still it over heated. Then, I finally decided to have a look at the water pump base, well, it was trashed underneath. The o-rings had disentegrated and when I took it off, the rubber part stayed on the drive.<br /><br />Changed it and now it runs perfect. How often are you supposed to change the base? The previous owner didn't change it for a long while I don't think. The gasket crumbled when I tried to take it off. And it was only run in fresh water until now.

 

[prockvoan]

Re: Idle overheating finally fixed!!1

Sand and river silt plays a big part in wear on the plate,as does the impeller.It should be inspected every time the impeller is replaced.If there are any groves in it,replace it!

 

[AdamB]

Re: Idle overheating finally fixed!!1

Not the plate that sits under the impeller, I'm talking about the base that sits under the whole water pump housing. After I removed it, I could see the bearings for the drive shaft.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Idle overheating finally fixed!!1

the base is usually good for life, unless you melt the pump by running it dry. then the base melts. any sign of melt on the upper or lower housings is reason to discard them. any sign not a total melt but any melt.

 

[AdamB]

Re: Idle overheating finally fixed!!1

Well, at least since I purchased my boat used, I know the whole water pump system is new. Once less thing to worry about LOL