Im having to replace the two water pumps on my 1948 F-7 with the 337 flathead engine due to leaks. The water pump castings are also the front two engine mounts. My question is how difficult is it to remove the pumps and rubber front engine mounts to put the new pumps in. I will have to support the engine. Do I need to jack the engine up to remove the rubber engine mounts? how difficult / easy is this project going to be?
John
NNY

 

If they're like the smaller flatties it shouldn't be a big problem at all. Place a block of wood on the plate of the floor jack, jack it until it touches the oil pain, remove the bolts in the motor mounts and jack the engine up enough to raise the pumps off of the frame. Block the engine the best you can and remove the water pumps. If you have replacement pumps that's the best way, replace only one at a time. If you have to have them rebuilt make sure the engine is blocked up good and the truck is some place where it won't have to be moved until you can reinstall the pumps. The engine should be blocked up good no matter what, you don't want that beast falling while you're working on it, that could hurt.

The biggest secret is, again if they're like the smaller flattie's, there's a bolt inside the pump, straight into the outlet hole that has to come out. Be careful though, they may be rusty and not want to come out. If they act stubborn soak them with a penetrating oil and work on them.

 

Looks like they eliminated the "wet" bolts on the 337's....

 

Ross, I wasn't sure. I didn't have a chance to look it up. I know those bolts threw me the on the first pump I took off my panel last summer. I got everything loosened and that dang thing wouldn't come off. It took me a minute or two to remember it. I think I was lucky, mine came out like they were just put in. I would assume they could become a PIA if they had a slight seepage of water get in.