I purchased a Weiand WND-9240P water pump for my new SBC build. The engine builder I used gave me a whole SBC bolt kit, but when I opened the water pump package I found that there are 5 bolts, 4 that are one length and one that is quite a bit longer. My water pump only has 4 mounting holes and the four short bolts are a little too short, they only catch by 3 or 4 threads (the UHL is 1.75").

I looked online at Summit and Jegs, some conflicting information - wondering if the kit I have is for the short water pump while I have the long one? Looks like I can buy a kit that has 4 bolts (2" UHL), just wondering if I'm missing something...

 

Don't worry about all that. You're outsmarting yourself.

Screw a "kit". Just go to Lowe's (they have BY FAR the best stainless hardware collection among the readily available stores) and buy 4 stainless steel bolts of the correct length. I'd strongly suggest getting socket head ones, as the next thing you will discover, is that there's not enough room to get a socket onto all of them because they're too close to the tall part of the casting.

Don't forget to put sealer (NOT silicone) on the lower driver's side one's threads.

 

I just changed mine out and it recommended putting sealer on all bolts and gasket on both sides. Also when you put sealer on add to bolt and screw in 3/4 way and back it out and add more sealer. You can feel it when it has a enough stuff on it! Cleaning off the bolts of mine was a real job! Was the original water pump.

 

I'm a little confused...you said to get the socket-head ones because there is not enough room to get a socket on the bolt. Are you saying to get the standard hex head (like 1/2" or 9/16") or something else?

Do you know what thread I need? I don't have the bolts with me to match up and I'd really like to be able to run to Lowe's after work tomorrow and on the way to my brother's shop where my car is.

What kind of sealer do you recommend on the bolts?

When installing the water pump, do you use any kind of additional sealant between the pump and block (like silicone) or just the gasket?

 

Yes on the directions with a new pump it said to use on gasket.I put some on the pump added gasket and then put it on the other side of gasket. Red stuff goes a long way, don't be sloppy. I used the red sealer because it has the highest rating for heat. When doing it you will see exactly what part of gasket you add the sealer on. Some areas don't need the sealent on the gasket, you will see what i mean when doing it.

 

Socket head...

http://www.mcmaster.com/#socket-head-cap-screws/=i60ss0

I use the brown gooey brush-on Permatex, or the purple brush-on, on the gasket. NOT silicone, of any color. Then, the "hi-temp automotive thread sealant with Teflon on the threads. NOT silicone.

Heat is not too much of an issue right there; it's immersed in coolant. IMO keeping the coolant IN is the more important objective.

 

Wow the auto parts store told me that was the best stuff to use. Even says it on auto threads. I researched before using it. Hope i don't have problems in future.

 

Yeah there's ALOT of movement between the pump, the bolts, and the block; over time, any silicone type of substance will tear and shred itself up into little pellets, and leak. This is the usual cause of, for example, bolts with threads all rusted into oblivion that are all seized in place and can't be removed... people put it together with silicone, works great for a while, years maybe even, but eventually the silicone fails, water gets into the threads, bam. (*cough* water outlet bolts in the intake *cough*) Something that stays pliable and flexible will work much better over the long term. That's also why I use alot of stainless hardware on my car around water. Been around boats too much I guess.

 

Thanks for all the great information.

The Lowes around you has socket head stainless steel bolts??? I'll check at least one by me tonight, I guess it's possible they do but I'm always disappointed when I go there (and Home Depot) to try and find a fastener, seems like their selection is always lacking.

 

HD's stainless selection SUX, in every one I've been in (coast to coast, Mexican to Canadian border, probably 30 states worth).

Lowe's is MUCH better.

Or of course if you can wait a day or 2, you could always order em from McMaster-Carr.