Help! Water leak near water pump

[Scotty]

Hey all,
I have just noticed water pissing out near the top bolt hole of my water pump?
Its very hard to see however I think from the front of the vehicle looking towards the rear its the right hand side two bolt area...
I am not sure and or cannot remember if there is a welsh plug in the area below the head?
I remember ones in the side of the block of a 350 as I had built many of them years ago...
Is it difficult to replace the water pump whilst the engine is still in the vehicle?
I guess removal of the engine mount plate and or radiator would be needed?
Any help would be appreciated....
Cheers
Scotty

 

[Tom Bryant]

Hi Scotty,

First check to make sure that the water pump bolts are tight. This may be all that you need.

You can remove the water pump, if need be, by supporting the engine from below. I recommend making a support that will set on your jack and and extend up along the side of the oil pan to contact the pan rail of the block . This will prevent damage to the oil pan. Something simple out of wood will work.

The motor mounts have a nasty habit of corroding around the water pump passages and this may be your problem. You can reach around and remove the fan and pulley then there is nothing in the way of removing the pump. No need to remove the radiator or shroud.

Remove the motor mount bolts on the ends to the frame mounts and then the bolts holding the water pump to the engine. It will all come apart then. Clean off the old gaskets and inspect the mount for rust or pitting. If it's smooth no problem. Pitting can be cleaned up(media blasted) and filled with an epoxy that won't shrink like J-B Weld then sanded smooth and repainted. If it has serious rust the mount should be replaced. They are available reproduction. The bottom line is both front and rear surfaces need to be clean and smooth for a good seal.

Remember to use new gaskets on both sides of the mount. This is also a good time to check the condition of your motor mount cushions.

Tom

 

[locojohn]

Scotty - Tom's advice is good. I've seen too many engines fall out when forthought was not observed replacing a early model waterpump. The only thing I might add to Tom's input is - it is unclear from your problem statement whether the leak is being observed from the pump/engine mount interface or the mounting bolt head. If the leak is occuring at the bolt head - you need to seal the bolt threads.