The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Jim Carter’s water pump adapter plate

Have any of you used the water pump adapter plate (p/n MEE390) that Jim Carter sells for using a 216 water pump on a 235? I’d like to know how it worked out, any problems, etc.

I just installed a completely rebuilt 1955 235 in my 1940 GMC pickup. I used the standard short shaft conversion water pump. Well it turns out that the fan blade is hitting the lower radiator outlet because the water pump is too low. Carter’s adapter plate is suppose to let you use the high position 216 water pump.

In Carter’s catalog it says you must drill and tap two 5/16” holes in the block to use this plate. Can this be done with the engine in the truck? I really don’t want to pull the engine back out.

I appreciate any thoughts.
Steve

I've done the adapter on 3 of my engines.It's tricky put possible with the engine installed and just the radiator removed if you're handy pushing on drills.Might be better to pull the front clip.
You need to drill two 5/16 holes and tap them to 3/8-16,again,easy if you're familar with this stuff.The adapter comes with a template and directions.You'll need a decent drill motor,a drill and tap,a few bolts and either use gaskets or gasket maker goo stuff.
The 216 pump is designed to spin at 1.4 times the crankshaft speed,the 55 and up low mounted pump spins at slightly less than crankspeed,keep this in mind when juggling pulleys.Some say keeping the original water pump drive ratio the same doesn't matter,but I say it does,you be the judge.
The end result is a cleaner installation with no low speed cooling problem when caught in traffic. with the water pump in the proper position for fan airflow,about 3-1/2 inches higher that the low mounted pump and fan.
You can buy the adapters on Ebay from the guy who was making selling them before Carter caught on.He is also a member of this site.

I've been planning to do this. My Carter catalog is too old but I've seen the adapter at the Filling Station web site. I made a couple of searches on ebay and did not find this. Any name or site or help would be appreciated.

thanks

eBay #4583473487
Or email [email protected]
Feel free to ask questions.
Dave

I measured my crankshaft pulleys for inside diameter (approximate):
5-3/8" diameter on 216 for 5/8" belt
5-1/2" diameter on 235 for 1/2" belt
5-3/4" diameter on 235 for 3/8" belt

That doesn't seem enough difference to be a big problem but I will take your word on it. I ordered an adaptor plate tonight. Later I'll order a 54 water pump and gaskets from one of the catalogs or websites.

I'm excited to be working on my truck again. I've had it four years without much progress.

Thanks
[censored]

Unless I am missing something here, this adapter plate is used with the original 216 pump, isn't it?

I got my adapter plate yesterday, looks great. Still wating on the '53-'54 216 water pump to arrive. Should solve my problem.

truckernix,
Yes you use a 1941-53 216 pump or 1954 or earlier 235 pump, both use the same pump.

What year pump you use depends on what belt width you want to run. 1941-52 5/8" belt, 1953-54 3/8" belt.

Tony or anyone who knows. GREAT advice and I am going with the adapter plate. I'm handy but not experience mechanic. Can you tell me what pulley, harmonic balancer etc. etc. etc. to use so I get this all right the first time?

Mine is the same as above. A 51 1/2 ton where I yanked the 216 and put a later 235 in place.

Many thanks

USE
1941-52 Harmonic balancer and waterpump for ⅝" belt.
1953-54 Harmonic balancer and waterpump for ⅜" belt.
Note: For ⅜" belt an acceptable substitution is to use a 1955-62 truck balancer. It is designed for a ½" belt but may be used with a ⅜" belt. This will allow the belt to run deeper in the groove and in affect will reduce the diameter to very near the correct size.

So let me ask this, I have a '54 235 that i was going to use the original 216 eng;s water pump and balancer on, is this feasible? I have a new 235 fan blade as I heard you cant use the 216 fan blade as it would come apart at high speed. Any thoughts

1954 235 was the last year to use the 216 style pump and fan. The problem with a 216 fan is when it is used with a 1955-62 passenger balancer which has a larger diameter pulley that will turn the fan to fast.

A 1955 and later fan will have to small of a hole in the center to fit the 216 style pump.

I have to say I am very pleased with the water pump adapter. I used the 53-54 water pump and got a new repro passenger car 216 fan blade. I was going use the original heavy duty truck type fan blade, but Dave recommended the car type becuase it is lighter and therefore less likely to come apart. The radiatior is now in place and the rest of the assembly is moving along.

Steve

TT if your going with the plate and older style pump take care when you drill and tap the two holes. They need to be properly located and straight. Use a new drill bit or one known to be sharp and drill straight. If you are doing this in the truck you could fab up a drill guide to help get the hole straight.

Tony

To drill the holes properly,bolt the pump to the adapter,bolt the adapter to the block.Take a drill that fits snug in the upper hole in the pump,about 17/64 or so,drill just enough to leave a starting point.Then use the 5/16 drill keeping it centered in the pump hole as best as possible.
I just finisher my 4th adapter job,nice if the holes are drilled perfectly,but very close works out just fine.I just drill right through into the water passage,tap it all the way through,use sealer on the bolts.On some block,the 3 bottom holes on the adapter will have to be enlongated just a touch to screw in the bolts in without forcing them.
Remember,you can easily remove just the pulley from the pump by drilling out the 4 spot welds,no need to press off the hub.
On some of my trucks,I still repositioned the radiator side brackets to gain an extra 1/2 of room,making it easier to remove the fan and or pump without pulling the radiator.
I like the paddle blade stainless steel flex fans,they pull a lot more air at low speeds and the fan tips can be "clearanced" carefully with a snips to clear the damper if necessary.You do need to enlarge the center hole a little to fit,as the 216 pump hub is larger in diameter.Or just press on a 55 or later hub.

Tony or Dave, got the adapter (thanks ) Makes sense looks great. One question. The two holes are not flat against the block. In otherwords there is a gap between the adapter plate and front of motor. So I take it the bolts are not to be torqued down very hard or it might warp the adapter? The two holes are mainly to keep it stable? Anywho, brilliant plate...dig it.

Glad to here you received your adaptor!

Because the pump is so thick where the two bolts attach there is not much of a concern of warping the plate. I would try not to over tighten them anyway.
Dave

If you are concerned about warping the plate, put a couple of flat washers between it and the block. I thought about it when I put mine on, but didn't bother. Just tightened them up snug.

From your wisdom to my wrench. You are a gentlman sir Thanks.

ttodd Tony and PreDave, as the Brits say SORTED! Perfect fit. Clues to take extra care and use sharp drills is right on. I did not drill thru the water jacket...seemed like overkill so stopped just shy. Old balancer / pump installed, generator mounted and the belt lines up almost perfect....might have to put a couple washers on the gen. to move it forward a scootch. Thanks. Now puttin' the beast back in!

BRAVO...well done.....bloody good job I say old chap! Cheerio