Water pump things can always be worse

[76BroncoPete]

I had a little leak in my water pump gasket that I’ve been trying to resolve. I had been making some decent progress, working on it a little each night consistently, which typically isn’t the case. I got around to pulling the water pump today and of course one of the bolts had corroded through leaving half the bolt in the plate. Around the area of this bolt is where my leak was anyways so I assume this was the main issue causing my leak. There was a decent amount of the bolt outside of the plate so I decided to try some channel lock and see if I could back it out. Instead of removing the bolt I managed to damage the area that the gasket sealing service on the plate. It’s mainly on the outside edge but I’m worried I made a smallish job into a really big job. Any guidance would be appreciated. I’m hoping that some permatex plus my gasket will be enough but I tend to be a glass is half empty kind of guy.

 

[langester]

Been there done that for sure! Gotta love those old seized up bolts, not. It looks pretty minor to me. If it was mine I would smooth off the rough spots with some emery cloth or fine sandpaper and seal it up with the gasket and sealant of choice. I prefer "The Right Stuff" but there are several good sealers out there. As long as its not cracked there anywhere I bet you will be fine, looks like plenty of contact surface for the new gasket.
Good luck with it!

If you didn't get the bolt out, I would try it again with the vice grips. You can put a nut on there and weld it to the stud you have left, sometimes the heat from welding will help with removing it as well.

 

[Rightpace]

File lightly and scotch brite pad to clean mating surface, not a big deal.

 

[MarsChariot]

If I am understanding the images correctly that is the plate that usually is attached to the water pump, at least on most of the pumps that I have bought. I am nor sure I understand why it is still on the timing cover. If it were me, I would just replace the water pump. It never hurts to have a new one. Regarding the bolt, the usual methods apply with a generous dollop of luck. But it looks like you can handle that.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Yeah I still have to deal with the bolt. Thanks for the help guys. Pulled me out of some of my doom and gloom attitude. I will try the vice grips but the welded bolt is a great suggestion too. Thanks again

 

[76BroncoPete]

Wider angle

 

[68Broncoz]

If the threads end up getting messed up in the aluminum timing cover you can always put a bolt thru and put a lock nut on the back side

 

[Rustytruck]

That area has no coolant coolant is on the through ports.the steel backing plate that goes on the actual water pump has coolant between the steel backing plate and the cast iron pump if you notice there is a drain at the bottom of the aluminium cavity. No harm no foul. When you put the assembly paint the shanks of those through bolts or smear a vert thin coat of silicone on the bolts just to prevent rust. Coat the bolts with thread sealer. You will be a happy camper if you ever have to take this apart again.

 

[Tiko433]

I would be pulling the T cover , it would be in the trash can. Depending on the mileage which I’m assuming it has a few , replace the Timing chain too. A tip....Heavy thread sealant on the 4 long bolts for the water jackets. I just did a motor and was very careful to seal everything up. I had a little leak from one of those bolts. I removed the bolts, added thread sealant, so far it’s saved my ass.

 

[76BroncoPete]

Thanks for the help guys I’ll update after I dive back in tomorrow

 

[73azbronco]

PB blaster for a day, then heat. Hit it backside with PB blaster as well, that bolt opens to air, usually why that one seizes. Remember, try tightening as well, little tight little lose, repeat.

 

[broncogt]

The rubber on your balancer is looking dry rotted. While you have it apart you may want to open the whole can of worms....

 

[phred]

The rubber on your balancer is looking dry rotted. While you have it apart you may want to open the whole can of worms....

X2 on replacing that balancer. Had one come apart on me running down the highway.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[56f100bbw]

77 ranger

The original owner of my 77 ranger broke off a water pump bolt back in 1986 and parked It at a enclosed mini storage in Huntington Beach calif till he gave it to me in 2005 it looked like this but I changed the wheels . So broken off bolt in my case was a good thing

 

[76BroncoPete]

I was looking at that balancer earlier and as much as I wanted to avoid it it looks like I may be jumping off that whole can of worms cliff. Gawd I hope this doesn’t end up like another story like yours 56 even though it worked out for you.

 

[gr8scott]

it looks like I may be jumping off that whole can of worms cliff.

Well then here you go:

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Timing_Chain_Cover_Aluminum/Bronco_Timing_Chain_Cover

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/FlowKooler_water_pump/early_bronco_water_pumps

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/product/Timing_Chain_Cover_Gasket_Seal_Set/Bronco_Water_Pumps

https://www.wildhorses4x4.com/produ...8oz_for_3Bolt_Pulley/bronco_More_Engine_Parts

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/edl-7811

 

[tasker]

The original owner of my 77 ranger broke off a water pump bolt back in 1986 and parked It at a enclosed mini storage in Huntington Beach calif till he gave it to me in 2005 it looked like this but I changed the wheels . So broken off bolt in my case was a good thing

I'LL give ya twice what ya paid for it! ;D
NICE SCORE!!

 

[56f100bbw]

Tasker actually he charged me a dollar and then I gave him a bill Clinton three dollar bill as a joke he’s a long time friend

 

[tasker]

offer stands! ;D