Flathead V8 Water Pump and Mount Service Guide

Flathead V8 Water Pump and Mount Service Guide

Flathead V8 Water Pump & Mount Service Guide
1937–1948 Ford Passenger Car | 1939–1948 Mercury V8

Servicing the cooling system on a 1937–1948 Ford passenger car or 1939–1948 Mercury V8 requires more than just swapping a part. The flathead platform integrates the water pumps, front engine mounts, and cooling hoses in a way that makes access and sequencing important. Whether you’re replacing water pumps, water pump bolts, or addressing motor mounts at the same time, the process benefits from a clear plan.

The parts referenced here include:

These components are commonly serviced together on 37–48 Ford and 39–48 Mercury V8 applications due to their physical proximity and shared mounting areas.


Why These Systems Overlap

On these flathead V8 engines, the water pumps mount at the front of the block and are positioned near the front motor mount assembly. In many cases, removing the pumps requires relieving load from the mounts. Aging rubber mounts can sag over time, changing engine position slightly and complicating pump removal or installation. Addressing motor mounts during cooling system service can help maintain proper engine alignment.

Fitment may vary slightly by model year or chassis configuration. Always confirm application for Ford passenger car versus Mercury V8 before ordering parts. Give us a call or email and we will answer your questions!


Basic Removal Sequence

A structured approach reduces stress on hardware and surrounding components:

  1. Drain Coolant
    Begin by fully draining the cooling system. Open the radiator petcock and, if equipped, block drains to remove as much coolant as possible.
  2. Remove Radiator Hoses (Upper and Lower)
    Disconnect both hoses from the radiator and water pump outlets. Inspect hose condition during removal.
  3. Loosen Motor Mount Bolts
    The front motor mount assembly may need to be loosened to allow slight engine movement. Do not fully remove the mount until the engine is properly supported.
  4. Support the Engine
    Carefully jack up the engine using a wood block under the oil pan. The wood block helps distribute load. Raise only enough to relieve tension from the mounts.
  5. Remove All Eight Water Pump Bolts
    Each pump is secured with multiple bolts. Remove all mounting hardware evenly to prevent binding. The water pump bolt kit (78-8501-HK) ensures proper hardware replacement if originals are corroded or worn.
    1. *PRO TIP there is a bolt in each of the lower water pump outlets.

Once the bolts are removed, the water pumps (78-8501-PR) can be removed from the block. Surfaces should be cleaned thoroughly before re-installation.


Motor Mount Considerations

The motor mount kit (78-6038-BDK) supports the engine’s front weight and isolates vibration from the frame. When mounts are deteriorated, engine position may shift slightly. Replacing mounts during water pump service is practical because access is already established and the engine is supported.

Fitment should always be verified for specific Ford passenger car or Mercury V8 applications within the 1937–1948 and 1939–1948 ranges.


Restoration-Focused Approach

Flathead cooling system service is straightforward when handled methodically. These engines were designed for serviceability, but age introduces corrosion, hardware fatigue, and rubber deterioration. Replacing water pumps, water pump bolts, and motor mounts as a coordinated service helps maintain structural alignment and cooling integrity.

Taking the time to follow proper removal steps protects original components and ensures the flathead V8 continues operating as intended.

View our full selection of Flathead V8 Water Pumps and Cooling Components.

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MORE CLASSIC FORD INSIGHTS

Old Ford Drum Brake History and Tutorial

Old Ford Drum Brake History and Tutorial

Old Ford drum brake history and tutorial Pre 1967 old Ford cars and old Ford trucks used a drum brake system. In these systems, pressure applied to the brake pedal is transmitted to the master cylinder, which in turn disperses the energy ultimately to the brakes in each wheel. The master cylinder uses the brake fluid to move the wheel cylinders, which in turn moves the brake shoes in the drum. There is a front and back brake shoe, the rear one for stopping a vehicle in drive and the forward one for stopping a vehicle in reverse. When either shoe is pressed against the anchor pin, the brakes are engaged, and the vehicle comes to a stop. The brake pads form the shoes to the anchor pin so there is no slipping. The padding on the rear brake shoe is typically longer and sometimes made of a different material to allow the shoes to wear at a similar rate, since the rear shoe sees much more use. The brake shoes are secured in the drum with both hardware and return springs, which must meet ideal sizing and tension specifications for your make and model for top brake performance. These parts should be replaced any time you work on the brakes in order to counteract wear and tear that can lead to longer stopping times. Stock brake line hoses will have a rubber lining, while aftermarket hoses are available in a stainless braided wrap to preserve the hose. Whichever type you get, make sure the hoses are the correct thread size and length for your year and model and meet DOT safety standards. The rear wheel drum brakes will also contain the parking brake mechanism and will have a cable to the parking brake. Brake pipe must be double flared and use flared nuts. It can be purchased with the flaring already completed or you can cut your own and flare it yourself, but it should meet or exceed DOT safety standards. Hydraulic brakes will fail if there is a weak point in the system, so make sure all your hose and fittings are SAE rated and correctly installed. If you are unsure after installation, test the brakes at low speed in a safe area, such as your driveway or an empty parking lot before taking the vehicle on the road. Starting in 1967 all old fords have a dual master cylinder. This part separates the wheel hydraulics of the front and rear of the car, so a failure in one will not cause a failure in the other. In vehicles without this feature, a leak anywhere in the brake line will cause the entire brake system to fail. With a dual master cylinder, a leak in the front brake system will not affect the rear and vice versa. This is standard in vehicles made after '67, but it's a good safety upgrade for older classic Fords as well. Many classic Ford owners choose to upgrade their front brake system to disc brakes, or the complete system. Drum brakes can overheat and fail in high braking conditions, such as rapid stops at high speeds or driving downhill on mountainous roads. Disc brakes are open and exposed to the outside air, which prevents overheating and brake failure. While this upgrade is not strictly necessary, it's a good idea if you frequently drive in hilly or mountainous areas. Original Ford brake shoes used asbestos in the brake pads. If you are working on a vehicle with its original brake shoes or if you are uncertain if they are original, wear a respirator rated for asbestos while working and wet the brake pads before opening the drum to prevent the asbestos from becoming air born. When cleaning dust from drum brakes, use a dense filtration system to trap the asbestos and dispose of it properly. You can resurface a drum with minor surface issues, but make sure it stays within factory limits for your year and model. Worn or thin drums can break apart or crack and cause brake failure. If you see excessive wear and tear, replace the drum. If you are replacing a leaking wheel cylinder, it's a good idea to do them all at once, including the master cylinder. If you have had problems with one, you will soon have problems with the rest. In addition, you won't need to remember which cylinder was replaced when for future maintenance if they were all replaced at once. You can use a vacuum bleeder to remove old brake fluid and contaminants. Once you remove the old fluid you can use denatured alcohol followed by air to purge the lines. Vacuum each cylinder, including the master cylinder, and replace the old fluid with new, DOT 3 or 4 fluids. When changing fluid, change the rubber hoses and seals. If you have a combination disc and drum system, only use DOT 4 fluid. To ensure a complete cleaning, vacuum some of the new fluid through as well do catch any missed contaminants. When working on or near the brake line, make sure no petroleum-based liquid, such as gasoline, oil, or mineral oil, encounters the hosing. These oils can break down the rubber and cause hoses to start leaking. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before and during working on the brakes system to prevent this, especially if you have been working on other parts of the vehicle. When working on your brakes, make sure to follow safety precautions, use safety rated parts, and check over your work carefully. Drum brakes are a very important part of the machinery, and due to the hydraulic system, can easily lose stopping power or fail if something is wrong, especially without a dual master cylinder. Whether you're doing regular maintenance or upgrading the whole system, working carefully will ensure a successful job for your vehicle.
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Old Ford? Come experience GREAT customer service!

Old Ford? Come experience GREAT customer service! Have you had enough of poor customer service and lack of technical knowledge when it comes to your old Ford? Believe me we know what it's like. If you're like most people, you probably start off full of drive and excitement, and making good progress on your project for a few weeks or months, but then - Murphy gets busy annoying you! As soon as you get one thing sorted another pops up, you get distracted and your project gets dumped in the too hard basket. And to make matters worse, there's always that one person who keeps asking you how your restoration is going, and you know they're having a good old laugh at your expense. You end up feeling confused and overwhelmed by all the technical jargon and mechanical issues you just don't understand. Until recently the only solution for amateur mechanics trying to break through the restoration problem on an old Ford, was to either obtain a full-time flathead mechanic somewhere or to hire a restoration company to do it for you. The problem with this option is that expert flathead mechanics are hard to find, and even if you do manage to find one willing to help you out, you'll be looking at upwards of $100 per hour, which is simply out of reach for most old ford owners. And it's for this reason that I'm pleased to reveal C&G Ford Parts has free technical help for its customers and we are staffed with folks that currently own or have owned old Ford cars or old Ford trucks! Here at C&G Ford Parts we've been helping old Ford owners with their restoration needs and supplies for over 40 years! And what we've proven over and over in our business is that the easiest and most reliable way to finish up your project is by adding a go to guy to your toolbox. It's literally the difference between a frustrating and annoying project and a "life changing, quit your job" kind of result. (ok, maybe not quit your job). With C&G Ford Parts lending their expertise and supplying your parts you'll be able to restore your vehicle with the fun and excitement you had hoped it would bring! If you get stuck you always know all you need to do is dial us up or drop us an email and we'll be there! Now what makes our service different from any other parts service out there is that there's NO additional costs - No out today fees, no added shipping fees, no waiting for days for a tech to call back AND you're covered for as long as you're a customer! Let's take a look at how C&G Ford Parts helps you. Our customers enjoy: Free tech support from old ford owners Friendly live person customer service Best reproduction parts available Over 100 manufacturers Worldwide shipping This is just a taste of what people are already saying about C&G Ford Parts: ----- Well organized, responsive, helpful in planning parts needs for specific project —Lawrence G. ----- How quick and efficient can you guys get?!! —Terry M. So, You've wasted enough of your time, energy, and sanity on trying to fix those irritating issues by yourself! You can finally put an end to all your frustration and disappointment simply by giving C&G Ford parts a call, email or web form question. Just imagine waking up in the morning, opening your mailbox, and finding your parts order no matter where you are in the world. You smile to yourself as you realize the fun an old car can be when you have the right help. So pick up the phone or computer mouse and let us fill your old ford parts order quickly and efficiently.
Steering Wheel Removal Guide

Steering Wheel Removal Guide

Ford Applications Using D4TZ-3600-A Steering Wheel & D3TZ-13A805-A Horn Pad Servicing the steering column on classic Ford vehicles often requires removing the steering wheel assembly. When working with steering wheel D4TZ-3600-A and horn pad D3TZ-13A805-A applications, the process is straightforward when approached in the correct sequence and with the proper tool. This guide outlines the removal procedure based on original shop notes and preserves the mechanical order of operations. Application Scope Applies to Ford vehicles equipped with: D4TZ-3600-A Steering Wheel D3TZ-13A805-A Horn Pad TOOL-3600 Steering Wheel Puller Application may vary by model year or steering column configuration. Always confirm fitment before ordering replacement components. Original Shop Notes Remove two screws holding horn pad Undo wiring clips for horn pad Loosen steering wheel nut Attach steering wheel tool Loosen wheel Remove tool and nut Remove wheel Step-By-Step Technical Interpretation 1. Remove Horn Pad Retaining Screws The horn pad is secured to the steering wheel by two screws. Removing these fasteners allows access to the internal wiring and steering wheel retaining nut. Use appropriate screwdriver to avoid damaging the screw head. 2. Disconnect Horn Pad Wiring Clips With the horn pad removed, carefully release the wiring clips connected to the horn contact assembly. These clips must be detached before steering wheel removal to prevent wire strain or terminal damage. 3. Loosen the Steering Wheel Retaining Nut Loosen the steering wheel nut but do not remove it completely at this stage. Leaving the nut partially threaded helps protect the steering shaft threads during puller use. 4. Install Steering Wheel Puller (TOOL-3600) Attach the steering wheel puller evenly to the threaded mounting holes in the wheel hub. The puller applies controlled pressure to separate the steering wheel from the tapered steering shaft. Using a puller prevents damage to the wheel hub and avoids stressing the column bearings or shaft splines. 5. Release the Steering Wheel from the Shaft Once the puller is properly secured, gradually tighten the tool until the steering wheel breaks free from the taper. After the wheel loosens, remove the puller and fully remove the steering wheel nut. The steering wheel can then be lifted off the column shaft. When Steering Wheel Removal Is Necessary Steering wheel removal is typically required during: Turn signal switch service Steering column restoration Column bearing inspection Steering wheel replacement Because the steering wheel is mounted on a tapered shaft, proper tool use is recommended to avoid damage. Restoration Considerations On older Ford steering columns, corrosion or age can increase resistance between the wheel hub and shaft taper. Controlled puller pressure is preferable to prying or hammering methods. Inspect wiring connectors and horn contacts while the assembly is disassembled. Access during wheel removal provides an opportunity to evaluate column components without additional tear down. Confirm steering column configuration and model year before ordering steering wheels, horn pads, or related steering components. Explore our full selection of classic Ford steering wheels, horn pads, and steering column components.