On large pumps used in industry, that still use packing glands rather than
mechanical seals, the gland is adjusted so that a small amount of liquid
leaks by the gland. This is because the liquid is actually the lubricant
for the gland or seal. Without the small amount of leakage, the sealing
area of the shaft would wear very quickly and the pump seal would fail
prematurely. I would imagine the same principal applies for our water
pumps.
Michael Marr
Naperville, IL
1960 TR3A
> I disagree with that statement. If the seal was leaking
> significantly then
> the pump is shot but if you get a drop or two occasionally and it can find
> its way out the weep hole then so what? The pump can still be used a good
> long time with the occasional top-up of the coolant. Without the
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