The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop 235 water pump swap

I have two full pressure 235 engines. One is a 1954 the other one, already in my truck, is a late 1955. I would like to swap the water pump from the 1954 to the 1955 because it would put the fan in a more desirable position. Would this be a direct swap or would I need an adapter? Thanks.

Engine blocks are different, the swap won't work. What you need for the later engine is a short water pump, available from most of the vendors. I would use the 54 engine, if possible.

Someone makes an adapter to use the earlier water pump. I don't see why it's needed though. There are plenty of trucks running with the shortened water pumps with no over-heating problems.

If you want to move the fan higher up you will have to get the adaptor plate to do it. It is worth it. Tony P. knows where to get one, he'll probably chime in soon.

The adapters are on Ebay,it's not a bolt on,you need to drill and tap a few holes,no big deal.Depending on your preference for damper pulleys,you have to juggle water pump pulleys if you're running the larger 6-3/4 damper pulley.I found pulleys from a 60's Ford 200 6 cylinder engine worked out like it was made for the job after some backyard engineering.
I did the conversions on 3 engines in 3 trucks. All of them heated up in traffic despite everything being in order.After the conversions,no heating in traffic,in fact they ran slightly cooler at normal road speeds also.
Either some engines don't heat up in traffic with the lower short pump,or the drivers don't look at the gauge,whatever.The easiest fix is the short pump,try it ,see if it works for you.You may find like 4 on the Floor did,there isn't enough room for a belt driven fan,so the electric one is an option.

Pre'68 dave has the kit(he's a member here). you can also get it from j carter. I'm replacing my 216 w/235. Brand new water pump on the 216, cooled fine. I'm hoping the conversion works, I think it looks better with the wide belt and you aren't beholden to the vendors for the pump.

I would use the adapter. I bought the short pump and I still had to move my radiator forward. It does cool well though. Best of all, you can buy an off the shelf pump with the adapter and not have to spend the $150 for the short pump

One-fifty for a shortened water pump? What a racket. You can buy a hydraulic press and a diegrinder with cutting wheel for that and make all the short water pumps you want. What a racket. Tell you what. If you need one I'll make it for $125.

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I am going the adapter route. I did compression tests on both engines and the 1955 is in much better shape so switching engines is not a desireable option for me at this point. Thanks again.

Hey Jeff, How are things in the big city? I never have found out about that 1/2 ton frame for you. I will chase down the owner this weekend if you are still interested. His computer is out of commision and I lost his phone number. I have been wanting to go over and see what else he has anyway. He is only 20 miles from me.
Ralph

Don't pay all that extra money for the shortened pump. I just shortened the one for my 261 just as Cletis said. Press the fan mounting collar to the position on the short pump, cut the shaft off and bevel the shaft for easier installation of the fan. $46.00 vs $150. We'', I always was cheap!