C1 Water pump leaking?

[Dave Christensen]

My water pump is leaking between the flanges, motor mount bracket, and the block. This is the third time in less than a year that I have sprung a leak here. I used silicone sealer when I put the motor together originally, and non-hardening permatex the last time on the gasket surfaces.

I really hate doing this job. Any recommendations on how to fix it permanently? Or, is this one of those things that cannot be fixed permanently?

As a mechanical engineer, it does not make much sense to me to put a structural member in the middle of a sealing area. (I would expect this on my Jaguar, not the Chevy.)

thanks
Dave Christensen

[roy braatz]

Re: C1 Water pump leaking?

If the surface of the block,W/P and bracket are not pitted,I install the gaskets dry.But if your engine rubber mounts are soft or your Trans mount is soft you have movement, which can put stress on the bracket.

[Dave Christensen]

Re: C1 Water pump leaking?

The engine and transmission mounts were new a year ago. None of the sealing surfaces are pitted, at least 6 months ago they were not.

thanks
Dave Christensen

[Larry E. Howard]

Re: C1 Water pump leaking?

Dave,
You are dealing with one of the most aggivating traits of the C-1 V-8 cars. I drove my 62 everyday for 15 years and replaced the engine 4 times. I went through what you are experiencing many times. There is no subsitute for tight bolts. The water pump bolts should take about 30-35 ftlbs of tourqe. but the important thing is to retighten the bolts after a day or two then check the touqe periodically after that. It's just the nature of the beast.

Now here is another tip, installing this arrangement is about as frustrating as changing the parkling brake shoes on a C-3. you can reduce the agony by using 4 studs. screw each of the studs into the block by hand, just a couple of turns or so. Use your choice of dope, I prefer silicone as of late cause it is easy to remove. assemble the gaskets, mounting plate, and waterpump as you normally would. Holding the water pump in place with one hand, remove any one of the studs and replace it with the correct bolt. Just snug the first bolt and repeat the process for the remaining 3 studs. once you have all bolts in place, then tourqe them to 10 then 20 then 30-35.

I used long 3/8 allen head set screws thus if one is hard to get out you can use the allen wrench to removei it. Using this proceedure will eliminate problems of misalignment of the gaskets

[roy braatz]

Re: C1 Water pump leaking? OK then

Then Larry is giving you good advice ,I do the same thing, but no sealer as I stated, I never use any any where but at the corners of the intake manifold and oil pan.

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Water pump leaking?

Agree w/Larry. Lay 35 lbs. of torque on the h2o pump bolts - check 'em once and I'd guess you'll be good to go... Dennis

[Loren L.]

Many of the C1 racers - and those who

vintage race today - converted the bolts (especially on the psgr side) to studs, and then double nutted the stud.