Thunderbird Water Pump

The disc brakes are installed (more on that next post) but I have not yet installed the brake booster. With the booster out, access to the steering components is greatly enhanced as shown in figure 1. While my plan was to complete one project before starting on the next, I decided to take advantage of the access and start on the Rack and Pinion steering before installing the brake booster.

Figure 1 - Left Side of Engine Bay

 So what does all this have to do with the title of this blog, the water pump? Well, the first step in replacing the steering is to remove the old power steering pump and replace with the new unit. In figure 2 you see the one remaining power steering pump bracket. All bolts have been removed except on large plug set into the lower radiator hose coupling in the water pump.

Figure 2 - Power Steering Bracket

This plug has a 1 1/16 inch bolt head. I have socket, box, and open end wrench that fits this bolt head. Unfortunately there is no room to get such a large wrench on the bolt while the water pump is in place.In the photograph it appears a socket would work, but the bolt is too close to the power steering pump bracket to allow a socket to fit. The only alternative is to remove the water pump, place it in a vice, and remove the bolt with the open ended wrench.

These cars are notorious for overheating, so cooling improvement was in the plans. However, I was not going to work on the Thunderbird cooling system until much later, but my future plan was a water pump replacement. CASCO (http://www.classictbird.com/) sells a high volume water pump (#8501HO) with vanes on the backside as well as the front which has shown to increase water flow. I was trying to find the article which shows the data but I have not yet found it. When I do I will post a link. Since I will have the water pump out, I might as well replace with the improved version now.