Expert: Brad Sears - 8/12/2009

Question
I'm changing the water pump on my 67 GS and would like to know if you recommend using a good gasket sealer such as permatex for the pump. Also should the four long bolts that run through the timing cover be coated with a non harding sealer. I used spray tack when i installed it the first time and as soon as I put coolant in the car it leaked like crazy. I'm thinking  its leaking past the four longer bolts that run into the timing cover. Please help!!!

Answer
Ok, take the pump off and start over. make sure that all traces of the old gasket are removed and the surface is clean and smooth. I then use dry tack to hold the gasket in place when installing it. I use a non hardening Permitex sealant on the long bolt threads. Now torque the bolts. Here is a handy torque specification guide that works well for me. http://www.raskcycle.com/techtip/webdoc14.html If you are using an inch pound torque wrench just multiply the foot pound specification by 12 for inch pounds. In other words 10 foot pounds equals 120 inch pounds. Torque is important as you are bolting aluminum to cast iron in several layers and uneven tightening can produce some strange results.
Brad