Detroit Series 60 Water Pump Replacement

Replacing your Series 60 Water pump is necessary to the overall health of your engine. When this part breaks down, it can cause overheating, which can lead to serious damage to the power system. Luckily we have a water pump that built to last, out of high quality materials, and ready to be used right away. Replacement can be easy, by following the steps listed below. Please note that engines may vary slightly, and this guide is intended as a general outline.

Some common signs of a pump that needs replacing include:
• Engine showing signs of overheating
• Visible water leaks, or having to replace coolant frequently
• Bearings inside pump do not turn freely
• Impeller inside pump slips

Series 60 Water Pump Replacement Guide – Whole Unit

Open the drain cocks on the bottom of the water pump, bottom of the engine and below the thermostat. Remove the hose clamps and coolant hoses. After the water has been drained, locate the three bolts that hold the water pump to the gear case and remove them. The pump can then be pulled out of the gear case.

If you are installing a new pump purchased from us, then further disassembly is not need. However, if you wish to do further repairs, such as replacement of the impeller or seal, then continue reading below. We offer a pump repair kit specifically for the Series 60 Water pump that comes with a new impeller, seals and more to complete the job.

To reinstall a whole pump, start by installing the seal ring, cover and snap ring (with the beveled side of snap ring facing out.) Tap the rim of the snap ring to ensure the ring is in the groove. Coat the seal and water pump drive gear with clean engine oil. Mesh the gear with the bull gear and install the three case bolts. When tightening the bolts, be sure to alternate so they are tightened evenly, and torque the bolts to 43-54 lb ft (58-73 Nm).

Pump Repair and Dissasembly

The following describes how to disassemble the pump, commonly done when impeller replacement is required. Be sure to follow the steps above to properly remove the pump and prepare the system by draining the coolant.

Step one: Remove the snap ring on the pumps cover and the seal ring. Take off the water pump's cover.

Step two: Clamp the drive gear (large gear seen in pump picture above) with a soft grip, to avoid damaging the gears teeth. The impeller (the disc inside the pump responsible for the movement of water) can then be removed from the shaft by using the two holes in the disc.

Step three: Hold the bolt that sits on the large drive gear on one end, while holding the square end of the drive shaft. Carefully loosen the bolt and remove the drive gear. Directly underneath the drive gear, locate the snap ring sitting the groove.

Step four: Use blocks or plates to support the water pump's housing, and allow for at least 3 inches of clearance.

Step five: The drive shaft can then be pushed through the front of the unit. Push until both bearing races are out of the housing.

Step Six: Remove the oil and water seals with a hammer. Then, the drive shaft can be placed on blocks wide enough to support the bearing assemble, but still allow the shaft to pass through. This will allow the shaft to be pushed out.

The water pump can then be inspected for cracks or signs of wear and cleaned with fuel oil.

Assembling the pump

Step one: Put clean engine oil on the bearing bores and all of the drive shaft bearings. If the bearing packs are disassembled, assemble them by placing the small spacer ring in the race, and place the larger spacer ring on top of it.

Step two: Coat the oil seal with a thin film of clean engine oil. Install a new oil seal into the side of the pump with the drive gear.

Step three: Support the pump housing on a block or press bed. Place the shaft, with the bearings, into the housing. The pump housing must be parallel to the table or block.

Step four: Install the snap ring and turn the housing over. Gasket maker can be applied where the seal case meets with the body.

Step five: Press the water seal into the housing until you see the flange of the seal makes contact around the entire opening. Position the impeller over the square end of the drive shaft and with the grooved side facing down.

Step six: Install the drive gear and the retaining bolt and washer. While holding the square end of the shaft, tighten to a torque of 75-93 lb ft (101-126 Nm).

Clamp for a coolant Hose

Frequently added by mechanics