Quick 5.0L water pump Q

[AT6svo]

I'm not much of 5.0L guy, more of a 2.3 junkie.

When I replaced my water pump in my 5.0 (about a year ago at this point) I discovered a slow leak shortly there after. I know its coming from the pump mounting area, near the bottom.

I cleaned both mounting surfaces (the pump was brand new) mainly the timing chain cover that it mounts to. I know for absolute certainty both surfaces were free of old gasket material, sealant, and any contamination. All the bolts were sufficiently torqued and rechecked for tightness.

My question is, on the new pump, there is/was a metal backing plate and only two small bolts held it on. Was there supposed to be a gasket between the BOTH the water pump and this backing plate AS WELL AS the pump/backing plate assy? I only used the one gasket. Are there any bolts that require sealant on them because they tap into a water galley? (Didn't think there were)

Thanks in advance,
-mike

[Zap's 85 GT]

There are several bolts that tap into water gallies. I would think that there would need to be gaskets on both sides of the plate.

[debo85lx]

I replaced the water pump on my 5.0L last spring and I only used the one gasket.

I suppose everybody has their own way of doing things, but my "raindance of choice" consisted of the following:

~ Permatex RTV (for water pumps & thermostat housings) on each mating surface, as well as on the gasket itself.
~ Torque everything down per specs, let sit for 3-4 hours
~ Turn on engine, check for leaks - if none, then let the car fully warm up to operating temperature before turning off.
~ Let the car sit for another hour or two, then warm her back up with a 2-3 mile test drive (keep an eye on the temp gauge, just in case).

Barring no leaks after above, you should be all set.

Hey, at $3 for the RTV and a few bucks more for another gasket, it's worth a shot :D