My 455 needed a new water pump....there is a $ 60 core charge if I keep .it....I do not know if original ...if it is I will keep it and pay the 60 bones.
Does this number correspond to a 455(1969) water pump;398681 C3 *138*
Any help would be great, if it is original, I will have it rebuilt....if not I will save 60$

Thanks,
Ted

 

Ted, the C3 and 138 are likely CFD casting marks. Don't know about the C3 but I think it's the die used for the sand mold of the pump. 138 is the ordinal production date (which equates to either May 18, 1969, or 1970). That likely means it's an original water pump. If you take it off and look at the impeller on the back you'll be able to tell. The OEM ones have a cast impeller. Can you get it rebuilt cheaper than buying new?

I looked up the water pump assembly in 2 different GM Parts Catalogues. It's Group 1.069 but I can't find any reference to water pump 398361. I do see 231933 which is the water pump for the 400 performance engine, and the 5400, 6400, 5600 and 98

Who is the vendor for the water pump? I see Rock Auto has an AC Delco unit for 75.00 with no core charge. Does it look like this: AC Delco Water Pump - R.A.

 

$60 for a core charge on a water pump.

 

yeah thats a lot...i just got the rock auto ac delco wp for my 350...it was $40.79 plus ship

 

I don't think I ever paid more than $20
for a core. $60? That really sucks.

I had to replace one on one of the
Chevy trucks a few months back and
they didn't even want a core. Unbelievable.

 

I can care less about part numbers but who is charging $60 for a core charge?? They must be smoking crack!!

 

My book says fits,68-69 400 w/o AC or HD cooling, W-30,W32 or Hurst/Olds

 

Thanks for imfo!
ended up paying 20$ and kept the old pump.
The pump came from Napa, and made in USA
I feel better, as I have known for sometime the bearings were weak.

here are a few pics of old pump and new...

Ted

 

That didn't take long, good job Ted.

@442Harv - Can you give me the reference you used? Is it the same group I was looking in? 1.069? I looked in 2 different versions and couldn't find it..

 

398681 is for the below application according to OLDSmobiltiy.com

68-69400 & 455 W-30, W-32 or Hurst/Olds w/o AC or HD Cooling398681

http://www.oldsmobility.com/oldsmo/v....php?f=6&t=391

Looks like you made the correct choice in keeping this water pump!

 

Really interesting that allegedly there's no verification in GM documentation for that pump number! I'd keep it too and rebuild it!

Thanks for the great link and info.

 

According to Octania's spreadsheet it's also from a 68-69 non A/C 350 so I'd say it's a pretty common pump number

 

Nice work Ted.
$20, now that's what I'm talki'n bout.

 

I am working on a 68 350 non AC and it has the same pump ....just noticed the casting number today....

Ted