Slick 60's

My motor has been sitting for the last 1.5 years while I did the frame off restore on the rest of my truck. I know I should have replaced the water pump while I had the motor out. I did replace the oil pump but that was mostly because I had to replace the leaking oil pan gasket. Anyway, when I filled the radiator for the 1st time last weekend I noticed that the weep hole in the water pump is dripping. My question is will this stop after the seal regains its moisture/flexibility or whatever, or will I be inevitably pulling the front of my very clean newly painted motor apart to replace the water pump? I was wondering if anyone had one stop weeping after a while.

Thanks,
Rick

I have never been that lucky! They actually WILL stop leaking, when the water supply is gone! After setting that long, the carbon seal element likely has become stuck or damaged. It might free up if not cracked; I wouldn't want to take a chance since the lack of leakage is likely temporary.
Paul

Most likely a will need replacing. Another thing that happens is that moisture will cause the metal that the seal rides against to rust and as soon as you start running it the rust eats the seal.

Rich

definitely replace it.
the minor expense and time doing it now will save you greatly in the long run.

had to comment on the quote

rderr wrote:will I be inevitably pulling the front of my very clean newly painted motor apart to replace the water pump?.

sure, as opposed to cleaning sticky coolant off it after the pump pees all over it

I guess I just needed to hear it from others. I ordered a water pump. Hope to get it replaced this weekend. Thanks for the replies.

Rick