Re: water pump woes

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2010/3/21 12:02:28

A little advice - dry-fit all the water pump bolts first to insure adequate clearance, if too long you run the risk of having one or more hit the cylinder wall or other internals and potentially crack the block.

As the bolts go into the water jacket, use shellac or your favorite gasket goop on the threads.

One or more of the water pump bolts may have a flat copper washer under the head for a water seal - just look at the housing where the bolt head will make contact - it will be obvious as those needing a copper washer will have a machined recess for same. Not sure this applies to your particular model, but check it out.

I have always used gasket shellac on both sides of the pump gasket and think it's a good idea though probably not imperative.

By all means, avoid using an Eze-out if you possibly can. They are VERY brittle steel and if it breaks off inside the bolt, you've got a very difficult job on your hands. There are many, many techniques to try before that - be PATIENT. There may be enough protruding to use a stud remover.

Cleaned radiator and distribution tube and new waterpump, a great job to do and should go a long way to a happy driving season.