Water Pump Mounting bolts
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 572
Likes: 21
From: Milford, CT
Water Pump Mounting bolts
Does anybody know if there is a kit for the 4 bolts for a 1977 L48 without AC? My car had AC but I removed it so one of the bolts is probably 1/2" too long. I would like to replace all 4 bolts. The only kits I could find online are chrome or for AC cars.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Measure the depth of the holes in the block (for those bolts) and the water pump casting thickness where those bolts go. Add together and then subtract 1/4" from each. Go to the local hardware store and buy replacements with needed length and proper thread sizes.
You can reuse any original bolts that are still proper for the new pump installation.
You can reuse any original bolts that are still proper for the new pump installation.
Last edited by 7T1vette; Jun 13, 2016 at 04:20 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Just about any auto parts store has one of these for under $30. It is worth the $30 IMO and has several size and length bolts. I was pleasantly surprised recently the selection of bolt type/length in that kit that work for the water pump, alternator bracket, power steering pump bracket, a/c brackets, etc.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 161
Likes: 17
From: Georgia
If you go the hardware store route be sure you get grade 5 or better. I got grade 8 at Ace Hardware, in my area they have a much better selection of fasteners than the big box stores. You appreciate all those marks on the head when one is stuck and you really have to heave on it. Also Fastenal is a good source if all else fails.
Jim
Jim
Last edited by vette_jim; Jun 13, 2016 at 10:09 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
You do not NEED (nor even WANT) Grade 8 bolts for simple component mounting on your engine. Grade 8 bolts are stronger, but they also have additional hardening and are not as 'pliable' as simple Grade 3 or Grade 5 bolts. Chevy used Grade 3 bolts for component mounting; no reason why you can't, too.
Paying $30 for water pump bolts that are made/packaged in China or Mexico is, well, how can I say it politely?.......DUMB!
Go to a hardware store to get them. Know what lengths and thread sizes you need. Re-use bolts that are already correct. THIS IS NOT BRAIN SURGERY, NOR IS IT WORKING WITH SAFETY-RELATED STUFF (steering, brakes, etc.). It's just common bolts. If you feel that you need to get them at a place that's more "official" than Lowe's or Home Depot, go to Fastenall.
If you must pay $30 for these bolts, send a check to me and I will return the needed bolts AND LOCKWASHERS to you...FREE SHIPPING included.
Paying $30 for water pump bolts that are made/packaged in China or Mexico is, well, how can I say it politely?.......DUMB!
Go to a hardware store to get them. Know what lengths and thread sizes you need. Re-use bolts that are already correct. THIS IS NOT BRAIN SURGERY, NOR IS IT WORKING WITH SAFETY-RELATED STUFF (steering, brakes, etc.). It's just common bolts. If you feel that you need to get them at a place that's more "official" than Lowe's or Home Depot, go to Fastenall.
If you must pay $30 for these bolts, send a check to me and I will return the needed bolts AND LOCKWASHERS to you...FREE SHIPPING included.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
I posted a picture of a set of an assortment of Dorman Grade 5 bolts that comes with a lot of bolts that are the same thread that is needed for mounting a water pump, a/c, p/s, etc on the front of a SBC. For under $30, it is an excellent assortment to have on hand for when you need a bolt, washer, nut, etc. The case is labeled which is great for determining the size of the bolt/nut you need in the event that you don't want to use one of the bolts in the set.
What's the saying, teach a man to fish...
You make it sound like someone suggested paying $30 for just the water pump bolts and then called it dumb, looks like you were just looking for a reason to call someone dumb.
Be nice
What's the saying, teach a man to fish...
You make it sound like someone suggested paying $30 for just the water pump bolts and then called it dumb, looks like you were just looking for a reason to call someone dumb.
Be nice
Last edited by AboveTheLogic; Jun 14, 2016 at 06:19 PM.
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From: Athens GA
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Personally....whenever I am building an engine, the one thing I don't skimp on is the hardware/bolts.
Too many years as a line mechanic changing a water pump on a 15 yr old car. The Flat Rate book says about an hour and a half and that is ALL I got paid. Problem is the last guy used cheap bolts. They rusted and froze in place. Shank going thru the pump holes was smaller than what was frozen in the block. SNAP!
Ever have to drill out and re-tap 4 bolts in the front of motor?
You have to pull all the shroud, fan, etc out of the way and climb in there to do it.
4 hours one time
Nope.....I don't use cheap Chinese bolts.
ARP or at least grade 5 plated.
Even NOS chevy stuff is better than the crap in stores now a days.
Just my $.02
Bman
Too many years as a line mechanic changing a water pump on a 15 yr old car. The Flat Rate book says about an hour and a half and that is ALL I got paid. Problem is the last guy used cheap bolts. They rusted and froze in place. Shank going thru the pump holes was smaller than what was frozen in the block. SNAP!
Ever have to drill out and re-tap 4 bolts in the front of motor?
You have to pull all the shroud, fan, etc out of the way and climb in there to do it.
4 hours one time
Nope.....I don't use cheap Chinese bolts.
ARP or at least grade 5 plated.
Even NOS chevy stuff is better than the crap in stores now a days.
Just my $.02
Bman
Last edited by bmans vette; Jun 14, 2016 at 11:53 PM.