I've torqued and retorqued the long water pump bolt that mounts the alternator bracket, but after time it begins to leak again. Was there originally an OEM rubber washer or gasket or something that prevented this coolant leak? Can anyone offer a permanent fix? I want to fix it now while I have my car apart so it won't be a problem again.

 

No extra seal, just install a new waterpump gasket.

 

I agree with Jeff. But make sure all of the old gasket has been completely removed from the surface of both waterpump and the mating surface.

 

Yes, I had to scrape off some of the old gasket stuff and the new one is cheap! The hard part is getting the pump off and out from under those oil metering lines!

 

just use some good rvt gasket sealer.maker and it should beable to seal it

 

I know I asked about a permanent fix, but is there a way to fix it without replacing the gaskets or removing the water pump? I'll be replacing my engine soon and all new gaskets will go in then. Thanks.

 

I think the gasket is only around $15 or so. You can use silicone if you'd like, just make sure its coolant resistant. The only problem is to use silicone your still going to have to remove the pump and scrape off the gasket, if you do all that you might as well spend $15 for a new gasket and do it right.

There is also a 2nd gasket between the housing and engine, it might be leaking form there. You might want to look on the underside of the pump housing and make sure it isnt just running down the housing from the engine to the front and dripping from the front. I've seen that happen.

Stephen

 

It's definitely coming from the hole. Could i just put some silicone around the bolt head to seal against the water pump? When I replace the gaskets, I'll just have to remove all the silicone too.

 

yea if it works...run the car at idle and figure out exactly where its coming from first though. its a semi pain replacing that gasket. I think its like 5 dollars even
why are you planning on replacing the engine any way? usually those things aren't planned for

 

Cracked apex seal and/or damaged corner spring.

 

um did you not read the post i made?

btw: regular silicone will not withstand the temps you are likely to be seeing. i would really consider rvt gasket sealer. it is safe up to 500degrees F and is easily removable with a razor after your done.

 

Yes, and from the way you described it, sounds like I would need to remove the water pump (which is what I'm trying to avoid) and make a new gasket form the rvt... did you not read the post I made?