Water Pump Gasket

[CC Rider]

Last week while at a cruise I noticed some antifreeze dripping from the water pump area. It's actually been doing this off and on for a while now. Each time I noticed it, I'd shine a light up at the weep hole to find no leak. I would snug up the tower clamps on the water pump and think nothing more of it.

Last week I noticed a drip off of the inspection plate on the rear of the pump. I snugged down the 7/16" bolts and thought that would take care of it, but I was wrong.

So now I'm trying to find a cover gasket, but Felpro only sells this part that is TOO big! I've Googled and found no other gasket. A small block gasket looks to be pretty close. Anyone ever run into this? Anyone know of a correct part number? It is an 811 casting.

http://onewaystreet.smugmug.com/Cars/Water-Pump-Plate/i-qsC8Zkg/0/O/Water-pump-plate-002.jpg

http://onewaystreet.smugmug.com/Cars/Water-Pump-Plate/i-x8d8hfP/0/O/Water-pump-plate-001.jpg

The leaking water pump is still on the car. Trying to do this without taking it off the car, as I just installed it a few months ago.

Thanks!

[WILMASBOYL78]

You must have small hands..or skinny wrenches... <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif

[Xplantdad]

Wilma....Rick is talented!(Like Tibor) <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/wink.gif

[Bill Pritchard]

I'm thinkin' I would bite the bullet.....take it off the car, remove the cover, and RTV it.

If it's any consolation, Rick, yours is not the only 69 Chevelle in the Phx area that's presently out of commission <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif

[CC Rider]

There is a decent amount of room behind the water pump to work. 1/4 ratchet with a short 7/16 works great.

I've got one more idea to try.

Bill, I hope your Chevelle is nothing too serious. In addition to the water pump leaking, my alternator stopped charging last week too. Sent a correct core out to be restored and it is currently on its way westward.

[scuncio]

Buy some paper gasket material and use the cover as a template to cut out the proper gasket shape. Shouldn't leak if you coat both sides of the gasket with brown Permatex before installing.

[Daves70SS]

I ran into the same problem with my 811 water pump, the #11725 gasket I believe is for the earlier big block short pump even though everything say's it for a later year and the gasket that I found to be the correct one was the #13032 gasket if I remember correctly.
I also replaced it while it was still on the car, a little tight but it can be done.

[CC Rider]

Exactly! 13032 is listed as a Chevy small block water pump gasket.

http://onewaystreet.smugmug.com/Cars/Water-Pump-Plate/i-HKkBzFH/0/O/Water-pump-plate-03.jpg

Bought two gaskets, just in case.

It's all back together now, just need to burb the cooling system. I'm waiting for my alternator to arrive.

Thanks everyone! <<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif

[Plowman]

I found if you drill a 1/8&quot; hole in the thermostat,you will not need to burp the cooling systerm. Hope that helps. Paul

[MosportGreen66]

While we're on topic... a quick PSA. I use Milodon 160 deg thermostats in all of my cars... bbc and sbc. No single thermostat out there runs as cool as the Milodon!