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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 01:50 PM
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Default water pump gaskets

I'm installing a new water pump on my LS1. What's the deal with these gaskets.... do they not take any RTV selant.

Also what is the torque specs on these water pump bolts. And is there a tightening order?

Also are there torque specs on the thermostat housing?

Thanks!!

Last edited by weinerschizel; Feb 21, 2009 at 01:54 PM.
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:00 PM
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When I did my cam swap earlier this year I didn't use any. I don't think its necessary, but when I just finished up my head swap I used some on the pump side just to hold them in place. I used my built in torque wrench and tightened them down evenly. No leaks this time or last time and I've used this torque wrench for years. Don't get me wrong, I torqued my heads or anything vital with a wrench. Your thinking too hard.
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:27 PM
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No silicone required, all the gaskets are a rubber o-ring type. Last time I did the pump I made four alignment pins by cutting the head off of four bolts. Install the pins, put the gaskets over the pins then install the pump. Install the remaining two bolts then replace the pins with bolts one at a time to keep the gaskets in place.

Bolts are tightened in two passes, first pass is 11 lb-ft (132 lb-in) and the second pass is 22 lb-ft.
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 06:30 PM
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Or the right way ^
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 08:08 PM
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Originally Posted by vettenuts
No silicone required, all the gaskets are a rubber o-ring type. Last time I did the pump I made four alignment pins by cutting the head off of four bolts. Install the pins, put the gaskets over the pins then install the pump. Install the remaining two bolts then replace the pins with bolts one at a time to keep the gaskets in place.

Bolts are tightened in two passes, first pass is 11 lb-ft (132 lb-in) and the second pass is 22 lb-ft.
DARN... that's a REALLY good idea. I just trashed a gasket cause it wasn't aligned. In essence I installed the pump twice cause of that.

I'm gonna have to remember that trick for next time!

I have two remaining issues. Number one. I cannot for the life of me figure out how this serpintine belt goes back on. I'm gonna google for a diagram but if you guys have one that would be awesome!

Number two. I have a pressure tester. I found one leaky hose already and replaced it. How high do I pump this thing up to? 15PSI as it says on the cap or a little higher?

Thanks!
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Old Feb 21, 2009 | 09:06 PM
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 12:17 AM
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Originally Posted by weinerschizel
................How high do I pump this thing up to? 15PSI as it says on the cap or a little higher?

Thanks!
Taking it up to 20 psi shouldn't hurt a thing. FWIW, the OEM 15lb cap has been supersceded and the replacement is 18 psi from GM.

HTH
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 09:32 AM
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I'm doing a pressure test. How long should the system hold pressure?

I pump it up to 15psi and it holds for a while then slowly eeks down. I cannot hear any leaks. I suppose over the course of an hour it leaks out 5psi.
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 10:33 AM
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Originally Posted by weinerschizel
I'm doing a pressure test. How long should the system hold pressure?

I pump it up to 15psi and it holds for a while then slowly eeks down. I cannot hear any leaks. I suppose over the course of an hour it leaks out 5psi.
I think listening for leaks is less likely to reveal the location than looking for them. Leakage of 5 psi over an hour is pretty slow, but you may still want to try a more detailed look for the presence of coolant. It's only got two places to go: crankcase or outside and (eventually) onto the ground.

If you want to explore it further, I have seen kits you can purchase that use a dye. Similar idea to an A/C leak check. Put the dye in the coolant, circulate well, pressurize system and look for the colored water/coolant. It may even have some colored glasses to assist in identifying the liquid. A kit like that would be especially helpful in locating leaks in hard to reach or otherwise inaccessible location(s) (think heater core, crankcase, etc).

BTW, is this leakage rate them same for just the cap itself? If so, you may have a cap needing replacement.

HTH
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 01:11 PM
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I found the leak. It's on the small rear line that runs into the reservoir back closest to the battery and on top.

It looks like a trouble area. I put the clamp on tight and also tried to zip tie it shut. Still leaks. I need a new clamp for one but I think it's just not going to seal up that great.

And another thing... should I be using a 18PSI cap now? I got the newer style LS2/LS3/LS7 pump on my 99 FRC.
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Old Feb 22, 2009 | 01:44 PM
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Originally Posted by weinerschizel
I found the leak. It's on the small rear line that runs into the reservoir back closest to the battery and on top.

It looks like a trouble area. I put the clamp on tight and also tried to zip tie it shut. Still leaks. I need a new clamp for one but I think it's just not going to seal up that great.

And another thing... should I be using a 18PSI cap now? I got the newer style LS2/LS3/LS7 pump on my 99 FRC.
Glad you found your seepage. The problem as I see it, is the location means you're dealing with plastic. Unless I'm wrong, I think you may have a hairline crack in/on that hose nipple. Harder to repair unless you want to remove your tank, drain, dry and try to repair with epoxy. Probably just going to have to replace the tank. Give Bob at Fichtner Chev a call tomorrow @ 1-800-234-5284 to get a price. You may be surprised at the relatively low cost.

Unless you have some specific reason to replace the cap, I don't see any particular need to replace it. The extra 3 lbs only represents approx 10 degree higher boiling point.

HTH
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