water pump install questions
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: St. Cloud Minnesota
water pump install questions
I'm getting ready to re-install the water pump on my 1996 LT1.
The Haynes manual and other literature I've read says to put RTV sealant on both sides of the seals before reinstallation.
My question is - what about the bolts so they don't leak? When I took two or three bolts out they were installed by the factory with some kind of thread lock or sealant. What do I put on those bolts? and also the temperature sending unit?
The Haynes manual and other literature I've read says to put RTV sealant on both sides of the seals before reinstallation.
My question is - what about the bolts so they don't leak? When I took two or three bolts out they were installed by the factory with some kind of thread lock or sealant. What do I put on those bolts? and also the temperature sending unit?
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Yes, you need to put a thread sealer on the water pump mounting bolts. I have great results with Permatex's Aviation Gasket Maker, which I also use on the water pump gaskets, both sides. No leaks for the past 4 years. Also, here is a link to an article I wrote on installing a Meziere Pump. In it you can find how I mounted the water pump.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=231&TopicID=2
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=231&TopicID=2
Last edited by Strick; Nov 25, 2005 at 07:50 AM.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Titletown WI
I'd like to add that make sure its a quality pump(next time, its dealer for me), I bought an el-cheapo $160 "signature series" pump from advanced(no one else even stocked a pump), and it leaked out of the box, I ended up using bars leak on a new rebuild cause I had a track event the next day. 
Also, the metal used and the radius bends of the nipples were nowhere near factory quality.
JMHO, »keith
Also, the metal used and the radius bends of the nipples were nowhere near factory quality.
JMHO, »keith
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Originally Posted by ScaryFast
I didn't add anything to the bolts. They shouldn't leak. I've had my pump off 6 times with no issues or leaks.
Put teflon tape on the temp sensor if you replace it.
Put teflon tape on the temp sensor if you replace it.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Originally Posted by Strick
Doesn't that interfere with the ground on the sensor?
Nope, no tape. I'm thinking of the plugs in the heads which I just replaced a few weeks ago.
Sorry about that.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,871
Likes: 15
From: Detroit's West Side MI
Originally Posted by EvanD
Do they sell bearings and seals to rebuilt the pump yourself? I have a leak somewhere at the pump and need to pull it soon, looks very easy.
If you have a leak it's probably one of the seals between the block and the pump.
I have a used pump (that worked fine) if you need one and don't want to buy a new one.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
This amazes me. As much work as is required with pulling a water pump, why not install a new AC Delco (OEM) pump and forget about it for another 50K? Better yet, install an electric coolant pump. The problem with the OEM pumps is the bearing gets sloppy and the shaft looses it's seal and starts to leak out the weep hole. That same shaft can also loose it's seal as it goes through the timing cover and there is another chance of an oil leak.