bi pass water pump

[Jerry B]

Can a internal bi pass engine be converted to external? I am putting a 1955 Plymouth 230 engine in my 1946 WC 1/2 ton pick up, and want to use the original thermostat housing.

[Merle Coggins]

If you can plug the coolant port at the front of the block, or in the head, then you would eliminate the internal bypass.

[martybose]

Or simply change the back plate on the pump to the one from your old waterpump.  You'll see that there is one less hole on the plate from the old pump, and it will seal off the internal bypass passage.  Be sure to use the gasket from the new pump so it will seal the passage to the back plate.

Marty