351W water pump gaskets - options

[madmaxx]

I keep getting a tiny drop now and then from the water pump to backing plate, backing plate to block is fine. The drip is on the bottom of the pump just above the harmonic balancer, in between the two bolts that hold the backing plat on. Anybody know of a better gasket then the paper thin fel pro that squeeze out with anything over 5 ft-lbs of torque. I use ultrablack on both sides of the gasket. It seams to be fine for a couple months than the leak appears. As most know it is impossible to tighten the thin backing plate bolts once the water pump is on the car, if I could it would solve the problem. I am sure the gasket is relaxing overtime. I have ground on wrenches but just cant get one to work.

Thanks for any help

[bobcowan]

The standard thin gasket with qa little bit of silicone should last pretty much forever. Usually longer than the pump itself lasts. If you're is continuing to fail, there's a differant problem than the gasket.

[madmaxx]

The last time I just snugged the bolts, if I put any torque the gasket squeezes out, I wonder if I am using to much sealant. I found some edelbrock gaskets that look much thicker, I will give them a try.

Instead of $4.00 they are $10.00, I guess I will splurge.

[vector1]

buy the gasket material by the sheet whatever thickness you want at the auto parts store.

[madmaxx]

I am a dumb sheet, excellent idea, it wont be the material at the auto parts store, living in the petrochemical capital of the world I can get my hands on some impressive gasket material.

I will cut my own!!

Originally Posted by vector1

buy the gasket material by the sheet whatever thickness you want at the auto parts store.

[Rick Parker]

Go to the radiator stop leak section at an auto parts store. OR go to GM dealer. They have some Brown tablets on a skinpack card display that are about 1" diameter that they put into the cooling system that disolve and are intended to plug permanently any minor leaks. The techs often use them when an intake is R&R'd to eliminate leaks and customer come backs. They will not harm the balance of the cooling system. AND they work.