383 Water Pump

[FirstEliminator]

Hey guys,

The bearing in my water pump came apart on the 383 in my 58 Monterey. This was last year sometime. Well, I finally got around to pulling the water pump. I decided to disassemble the pump wondering if I could get some standard sized bearings to fix it up myself. However, it seems as the pump shaft is part of the bearing assembly and so far, I haven't been able to find anyone that has heard of a water pump rebuild kit. So, I got a rebuilt pump on the way from Kanter. I would have prefered to rebuild the original pump from the car but oh well. Now, since this appears to be the first time the water pump is off the engine, both of the little thermostats are still in place. Should I leave them alone or remove them? If removal is the suggestion, what is the reason for removal? I will bring my digital camera into the shop tomorrow to get some pics.

thanks in advance,
Mark
58 Monterey 383
58 Parklane 430

[Theo]

I guess that in most instances the thermostats get rotten and stuck. That's probably the main reason they get tossed away. You mught pull them and check them in a hot water tub for functionality.

[FirstEliminator]

Are replacement thermostats availible?


Mark

[Theo]

Unfortunately they were discontinued in the 60 ies. I don't know who is still stocking them. Maybe there are some good used ones around. You might try "Lincolnland" or e-mail hawkrod. He knows quite a bit about it I think.
Please use the e-mail function as the PM is not working yet.
Good luck