Inliners International Forums General Discussion Engines 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

you could trim some off of the fan blades. just enough to clear.

Use an electric pusher fan and leave the stock fan off.

yes walt i forget i have my own machine shop and other people dont have that. but you are right about the water pumps

but TRyan mite have a better idea. it would not use power from the motor and be less wear on the pump.

yes walt i forget i have my own machine shop and other people dont have that. but you are right about the water pumps

but TRyan mite have a better idea. it would not use power from the motor and be less wear on the pump.

I have the adapter plate. I will be installing it this weekend. My engine is out of the car right now, so I shouldn't have any problems drilling and tapping the holes. I Don't see why you wouldn't be able to drill it and tap it with the engine in the truck. You will probalby have to remove your radiator to fit the drill in.

I'm using a 54 Chevy waterpump. You have to remove the rear backing plate, and install the adapter plate in it's place. Bolt the water pump/adapter to the block, mark your holes, remove the water pump, drill and tap the holes, then re-install the water pump.

TonyP has had good experience with the adaptor plate. I used a short shaft and an electric fan on the front of the radiator with good results but it looks funny with the fan hidden behind the grille.

Factory setups aren't always pullers, my BMW has the electric fan on the front.

I've done the adapter plate conversion on 3 of my engines.It's a better solution than the short water pump and in my opinion,it not only cools better at low speeds,it cools better at all speeds.

RE: fans in general. The best location for any fan is at the hottest part of the radiator core.
On a conventional radiator this would at the top and on a cross flow it would be closest to the side that has the inlet hose coming off the top of the engine. This is because the greater the temperature difference the quicker heat will be lost. If you are using a shroud that completely covers the core then fan location is less critical.

Puller or pusher? Puller if it fits but a pusher will also work if that's the only option you have due to space. I've never seen any great results by running a fan on the front and the back of a radiator. One of them becomes a blockage to the other. A method that does work better is to have them staggered so they don't blow into each other eg; a puller at the top and a pusher at the bottom and avoid as much overlap as possible.