I replaced my water pump and when I got everything back together and put antifreeze in it started to leak real bad. Anyone else have this issue? I did this before on a friends truck and the same thing happened. Got it fixed after the third time redoing it and not sure why. Thanks

 

Where was it leaking from?

 

It was leaking from the bottom of the pump. I just took it apart and re did it all and added a sealer from autozone for water pumps that has to dry for 24 hrs so I guess we'll see if it leaks again. If it does I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. All parts are new

 

I always use a thin bead of RTV around the w/p gasket, both sides. Never had one leak. I never waited 24hrs for it to cure either.

 

Water pump jobs are all about the cleanup of the existing gasket/RTV.

Did you get a good clean surface?

 

You should apply RTV in continuous bead on the pump mating surface, going around the inside of all bolts. Then, another loop to enclose each bolt hole. When you put it on the block, hand tighten the bolts, then wait one hour before torqueing down. The wait allows the RTV to firm up instead of squishing out the sides.

 

I did that this time. I just hope it doesn't leak : ). I figured I'd wait till morning to let it cure and I waited about 45 min before tightening it down all the way. I have had bad luck doing these so hopefully it's sealed this time. Next thing to do is the brake booster so I can have brakes back again!

 

If I wait at all, I give it about five minutes or so to skin over. You actually WANT it to kinda squeeze out the sides, as that also helps hold things in place. Yeah, I know, after it's been there for a while, it hangs on pretty tight.... I just don't like trying to compress it after it has cured..... You end up with low spots, which are potential leak sites.

 

Seems to be holding up ok. Another question I have is it normal to hear fluid rushing under the dash when I accelerate?

 

If you hear fluid under dash you have air in your system. On mine I park pointing uphill with the heater on and add water. Most of the bubbles come out. Be patient and do it with your thermostat open.