Water pump woes......1949 216ci

[Coach529]

Struggling with some water pump woes and could use some insight.

When I fired "Henry" up from his 30 year slumber, the water pump was leaking though the pulley seal. No big deal, I had a spare pump that came with the truck. I installed that pump and it also leaked.

I ordered a new pump from my local Napa. Once it arrived I installed it and found it leaking between the pump and block. I also found the radiator was leaking.

I pulled the radiator and the pump. I was thinking maybe I folded the gasket over or something. The gasket tore upon disassembly so no concrete evidence was found.

I thought possible the gasket surface was not as clean as it needed to be.



I cleaned up the gasket area "hospital" clean and installed the pump with a new gasket. I installed my new "used" radiator....new hoses and button everything up.

Started dumping in water and got to the third gallon before I could hear it hitting the floor.....dammit!!





I am going to go out and pull the radiator and pump to see if I can see anything wrong.

Any advice??

[Coach529]

Got it all pulled apart.........

I used some blue RTV to hold the gasket into place......wondering if that was maybe the issue?

[Dan in Pasadena]

If its leaking from the waterpump boss on the block being warped or uneven you can try using two gaskets w/silicone between them.
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[NEWFISHER]

I would clean it, scuff both areas with 80 grit, make sure it is very dry and nothing leaks from the ports, smear honda bond or an equivilent engine assembly gasket sealant on both surfaces ( to take up any irregularity) assemble it and let it set up for 24 hours undesturbed. Reassemble the hoses etc and then head to the GM dealer and ask for " caddillac coolant tabs". Crush them in a rag and then pour the dust into the radiator. Its like high grade silver seal used by GM on a mid 90s caddy coolant problem. They workreally well and won't gum up the system. On initial start up, get it hot enough to open the tstat and then shut it down to full cool. Start up , drive and enjoy.
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[Coach529]

Originally Posted by NEWFISHER

I would clean it, scuff both areas with 80 grit, make sure it is very dry and nothing leaks from the ports, smear honda bond or an equivilent engine assembly gasket sealant on both surfaces ( to take up any irregularity) assemble it and let it set up for 24 hours undesturbed. Reassemble the hoses etc and then head to the GM dealer and ask for " caddillac coolant tabs". Crush them in a rag and then pour the dust into the radiator. Its like high grade silver seal used by GM on a mid 90s caddy coolant problem. They workreally well and won't gum up the system. On initial start up, get it hot enough to open the tstat and then shut it down to full cool. Start up , drive and enjoy.
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Awesome. So your confident the gasket failed in some sort or fashion?

This for coolant tabs??

and

This for Honda Bond??

[Trekster]

You could also try "the right stuff", it comes in a cheese wiz type can. I have used it to seal leaking vavle covers. It may work in this application also.

[NEWFISHER]

Its probobly just imperfect surface with both the head and pump. A DRY gasket should work in most cases but didn't in yours. That's when the sealer on both sides liberally applied will take up the difference.
yes on both links. " the right stuff" mentioned is also good and found at carquest and napa stores. The coolant tabs are the correct ones. They make a smaller one with more in the package but those you linked are the ones from the og GM bullitin.

[Coach529]

I ordered a new gasket today, so I will have to wait longer in the week to finish this project!!

[NEWFISHER]

Cut one from a trace of the one you pulled from some gasket material, head to the local parts store and grab some "right stuff" or similar GMS engine assembly sealant and give it a try.

[Fred T]

Looking at your pics I don't think the problem is with your block. I can still see the cutter marks. Just to be sure lay a good straightedge across the face on the block and look for any high or low spots. Also check the water pump, the surface on it should have been ground flat. I would return the pump for one that is flat. You shouldn't have to go through all the silicon sealing if things are made correctly.

If you use the right stuff style gasket maker, you don't need a gasket. But you will need a chisel to remove the pump.

[Daner]

Originally Posted by Coach529

Started dumping in water and got to the third gallon before I could hear it hitting the floor.....dammit!!

Until right here ^ I was sure your head gasket had a leak in it. If it leaks when it's not running then it has something to do with the seal.

[Coach529]

Originally Posted by Daner

Until right here ^ I was sure your head gasket had a leak in it. If it leaks when it's not running then it has something to do with the seal.

That thought crossed my mind as well.........or a crack in the block.

[Coach529]

Did a little more investigation tonight......running a straight edge across the pump showed it was dished enough to plainly see daylight between the ruler and pump. :-(

Back to Napa tomorrow to get a new pump.....