water pump on 65 C20 with 230 I-6

[backtowork]

truck runs hot(so says the gauge) ..so while I'm in there, will be replacing the thermostat, flushing radiator and replacing the water pump..bought a replacement pump , but when i got back home, the pump didn't have the bypass hose neck..checked around and the pump with a neck is for a 292..will this fit?..after doing a search on this site, I couldn't find a definite answer, but am now confused as to problems with pulleys aligning?..hoping someone can shine a light on this..

[chevy_mike]

I believe the 292 pump is different than the 194/230/250 pump. The block is taller on a 292.

[bonacker]

If you have factory gauge it may be the gauge going bad/erratic. Check the thermostat elbow, hoses, etc with an temperature gun to see what actual temps are running. As far as what you want to do (flush, t-stat, pump), good idea. If you have to pull the water pump, do it all. As for the pump fitting, my quick look on Rock Auto shows a 292 pump fits only the 292.

[TJ's Chevy]

Most likely the old water pump is fine. My 292 is 48 years old and runs fine. Might consider a new gauge because they are electric on these. Running hot would be past the middle of the gauge. There's tons of different style water pumps even for the 292 from the factory...64-65 had one...66-70 something had another style and from the late 70's to the 80's there was another style. Could just go to Napa and tell them what engine you have and I'm sure you'll be able to get a rebuilt factory one.

[backtowork]

thanks to all..read about the erratic gauge..mine starts out slow, then climbs rapidly to just a little under HOT..have a spare dash, just haven't switched it out yet..took multiple readings all around with a laser temp gun, none above 200 degrees(except close to the exhaust manifold)..did find a pic showing different water pumps..will re-post just in case someone else might want to know..

[chevy_mike]

Wow, didn't know there was 4 different water pumps for a 292. I knew they were different than the 194/230/250 pumps. Good info!