I replaced the old heavily leaking water pump (leaked from the bottom) with a new on bought at autozone. now after running it for about 5mins, there is a very small amount of antifreeze leaking from the drivers side of the water pump where the top bolt lines up. Could this be the bolt isnt in all the way? Or something a little more serious? Thanks
I've not been into one of these water pumps in a while, but I recall that sometimes the bolts penetrate the water jacket, so when installed, they need the threads sealed with a non-hardening sealant, (like permatex #2). Give that a try and see if it solves the problem. Also, I'm assuming you had a good clean and smooth pump to engine mating surface?
Coolant Weep What Bilbo said ~ You don't use sealant between the pump and block , always wire brush the block surface until it shines before fitting the new pump & gasket and smear a small amount of blue RTV on the bolt that enters the water jacket , you'll know which bolt it is because the coolant always stains the threads or tip of that bolt . wire brush it clean of rust & scale before applying the RTV Sealant . a *tiny* bit here , O.K. ? . Once in a while , you'll fold over the corner of the pump to engine gasket as you install it so I'd drain the cooling system now and dismount the pump for a looksee and one last go with single edge razor blade and wire brush on the engine side of things before buttoning it up again . I hope this helps .
Gasket Seal DON'T unless it leaks , then add just the very thinnest coating possible as any extra will get into the coolant and plug up things . You should wire brush the engine side of the pump's mounting until it's shiny ~ NO black crud or old rock hard gaskets left . Single edge razor blades excel at removing old gaskets but , they'll flip over and cut your fingers badly if you're uncautious .
