Procrastination destruction offset by Horading.

[GRX]

Some may have noticed that I rarely start threads. Just offer help when I can. So here is a deviation from the usual ...

A couple weeks ago I noticed the water pump on my 250, which I believe to be factory equipment, was getting noisy. Stupid me, being wrapped up in other projects, I put it off. The bearing blew out violently on the way to the dump with a big load in the back. At which time it took out the radiator. Was close enough to limp home, and so the engine only got up to about 245 degrees (F).

Good part is, the whole fix only required about $30 for two belts. Had a 3-row radiator from a '69 pontiac Le Mans that I parted out about 30 years ago. Small differences otherwise fit perfectly. Also had a spare water pump in a box from about 20 years back that a customer gave me because he got one for a 250, instead of the 292 which I was rebuilding for him. Decided it was a good time for an oil and air filter change as well. Enjoyed a nice long country drive at dawn today.

Cliffs:
Procrastination = parts destruction
Long hoarded parts saved my a$$.

[65standard]

Got to love them 250s. It's also good to know about the radiator interchange.

[68Gold/white]

Any progress on the 428???

[GRX]

Originally Posted by 65standard

Got to love them 250s. It's also good to know about the radiator interchange.

Yep. Tough as nails. I machined & re-built a lot of 250 & 292 from fleet surface trucks back in the 80's. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking better than a Timex watch. Have always preferred GM over Ford or Mopar for the wider parts compatibility. One of the first things this c10 got after purchase was a brake make over. Happy day upon discovering most of the pontiac parts fit the light duty truck. Including master & wheel cylinders.

Originally Posted by 68Gold/white

Any progress on the 428???

Not much unfortunately. Had to move the GTO project to the back burner in lieu of various home owner obligations. It has been burning in the back of my mind for sure.

[old Chevy guy]

Gotta love when a story including the words "parts destruction" has a happy ending. Never saw a bearing on a water pump go that far wrong, impressive.

[michael bustamante]

i had a fan clutch bearing give on me in my toyota truck one time while on the freeway, ruined my hood and the fan imbedded itself into the radiator. i know how you felt about limping home.....

[alsriv2]

Had that happen when moving from MD to AZ in the hills of southern Virginia on I-95 late at night while towing a car with my '67 GMC. Had lots of spare parts in a box in the bed, but no water pump. Next morning I was shocked to find a Chevy dealership directly across the highway from my location. (IN the middle of nowhere) Charged me over $100 for a brand new pump, but they were the only game in town. Radiator never got hit but the flex fan took a beating. Had the original clutch fan in the bed, installed that fan and made the trip to AZ without any further problems.

[Redline novdog]

That's amazing destruction on a water pump ! Let alone a Chevy pump ! Glad you could make it home. Good ending, other than replacing the pump. Now I know why I hoard Chevy parts!

[GRX]

Originally Posted by Redline novdog

That's amazing destruction on a water pump ! Let alone a Chevy pump ! Glad you could make it home. Good ending, other than replacing the pump. Now I know why I hoard Chevy parts!

Yes indeed. It gave out all at once. Locked up and almost stalled the engine before busting loose. So much noise & vibration thought it spun a main bearing for a second.

The new belts are giving me a fit now. Hate that sequel. Appears the pulley grooves were polished mirror smooth from slippage. Anti-freeze contributed for sure. Guess I have to remove the pulleys and scuff the grooves with some 80-grit.

[centuryhousedw]

Glad you kept the hoarded parts
A stock of extras is rarely a bad thing when you drive a truck as old as these.