Developed a wickedly alarming noise from my Flathead 6 after getting stuck in stop & go traffic this weekend. I noticed a chirping/metallic rubbing noise after a while that sounded like a bearing let go, immediately thought the worst when I saw the oil pressure had dropped a bit. Sound let up a little bit with higher RPMs, but never went away. I was still 15 minutes from home and had to drive it back, but all the gauges stayed within normal limits while I was driving and the truck never lacked for power or stuttered. Solid as a rock, as usual. Figured I'd take a look at it today, as I had to go with the family last night and couldn't investigate.

Started it today, and noise started right away. I noticed some coolant on the timing marks but nothing seemed to be leaking when it was running. Didn't notice any sparklies on the dipstick, but didn't want to drain the oil for a look until I ruled out the generator and the water pump. Took the belt off (seemed way too tight, btw) and let it run briefly...no noise. Wiggled the water pump pulley and had coolant come out of the weep hole. Hooked it all back up with proper belt tension...noise started right up, and the water pump pulley even started wobbling.

Now to have it rebuilt. There's a local guy in MA ((Then and Now Automotive in Weymouth) that supposedly does it, so I'll call him tomorrow. C&G looks like they take about 3-4 weeks and $195 to do it, and most of the usual suspects don't seem to even mention 6 cyl water pumps or rebuilds on their sites anymore. Hoping the local guy can bang it out for me.

For those who wonder what this sounds like...


And the confirmation test:

 

Yep. I concur.

 

Check with Skip Haney for a stock rebuild, e-mail: skip@fordsrus.com
941-637-6698

 

Thanks for posting the two video's. That was very informative for us all. Rep points for that.

Several years ago I got a response to an inquiry I had made from Arthur Gould Rebuilders about my 226 pump. The price is probably higher now but perhaps less than the quote you already got.

Tom, the price to rebuild the mentioned pump would be $90 plus return shipping. You can send it directly to our rebuilder for a very quick turn around. Their info is as follows;
Arthur Gould Rebuilders
5R Main St
Kings Park NY 11754


Good luck, you have options. Tom

 

I had one of my 226 water pumps rebuilt thru Rockauto. Rockauto billed me and I sent the pump directly to the rebuilders (Cardone) which if I recall was in Texas. Turnaround time was about 3 weeks I believe. One week to ship it to Texas, one week to rebuild, and about one week to ship it back to me.

 

Great info, guys. I appreciate it! I'll see what the local guy says first, as it's much easier for me to drive it 20 minutes to him and have him rebuild it, even if it costs a bit more locally.

Tom, figured I'd show people what it sounds like so your heart doesn't stop if you hear it, lo. You can see why the noise was so alarming when it starts suddenly while stopped in traffic.l

 

Egge Machine will also do it, but obviously not the right coast for you.

 

I'm not averse to sending it out West if I have to, just want to avoid losing too much time with the truck waiting for it to go back and forth.

For reinstalling, I can't seem to find gasket kits for it. Is this an RTV-only job when you put it back on?

 

I used Rockauto a few years ago as well. It doesn't appear that they still offer the service for water pumps, only fuel pumps. Interesting, and a bit odd.

 

I looked into Rock Auto, too (read about this service on other forums), yet I can't see to find any indication they do it anymore either.

Local guy sends them out now. Same price as C&G ($195) and longer waiting period because he handles the back and forth shipping.

I'm going to call Joblotauto in NY today, maybe look into Arthur Gould as noted above. But may wind up going with C&G or Egge in the end. The poor thing just came back from the western part of the Country, now a piece of it may go back for a visit, lol

 

You guys may be right but if I remember correctly, I called them and they set it up for me. But, as you say, they may have quit doing it.

 

My Egge rebuild came with a new gasket. $162 for rebuild.

 

I think you may have just made up my mind for me. How long ago did they do it for you? Do you remember the turnaround time? The time is only important because I'm supposed to use he truck in a parade in mid-June. I'll blast this thing out to them 2-day shipping regardless of cost so they can get started.

 

I believe it was within 3-4 days.

 

Job Lot has closed. Chuck of Chuck's Trucks bought most of their stuff.