Problem with my 74

[1974vette]

While driving my 74, when im going around 60 mph...if i push the accelerator in where it makes the transmission "kickdown" my waterpump comes unbolted from the engine. The bolts are snug and they also have heat resistant lock tite on them at the moment...this is the 3rd time that this has happened...as far as i know, my pulleys are aligned...please somebody help me as this is getting me really discouraged...
-coop

 

[black_81_vette]

Is this happening with the same pump?is it new, or rebuilt?

 

[JohnZ]

I assume you mean the bolts loosen up and you get a coolant leak, not that it "comes unbolted from the engine"; what do you have for a fan and clutch arrangement, and is there any play in the water pump hub where the fan clutch attaches with the belt loosened?

 

[1974vette]

black_81_vette,
this is a new waterpump...

JohnZ,
what you described is what is happening to mine. I still have my stock fan/clutch arrangement...as for play in the water pump hub, i dont know...how would i go about checking this? thanks for the help so far...

 

[JohnZ]

Grab the fan and clutch and see if it wobbles on the shaft - if it has any play or wobble, it's time for a new fan clutch; a bad fan clutch can ruin the bearings in the water pump due to shaft vibration.

Loosen the fan belt that drives the water pump and grab the pulley - if it has any play or wobble, the shaft bearings are bad and it won't last much longer.

If you have enough vibration going on up there to cause the water pump bolts to loosen, either the fan clutch or the water pump bearings are shot; I wouldn't drive it until you correct the problem - if the fan clutch separates or the water pump shaft lets go, it'll make a hell of a mess and probably take out the radiator before the shrapnel stops flying.