Getting ready to replace water pump and remove AC compressor bracket, as it is cracked around one bolt hole (see pics below)

Is it customary when removing water pump to also remove the spacer behind pump to replace the gasket between spacer and block (alum spacer behind water pump-what's its function)? Currently, nothing is leaking.


cracked around bolt hole



cracked around bolt hole



It just fell apart when I removed nut. I'm going to see if a welder can weld a new piece of aluminum to bracket and make it work



water pump and spacer behind water pump

 

Can the bracket be welded with a new piece of 3/8"-1/2" thick alum? The 3/8"-1/2" is about the thickness of the section that broke off.

I was thinking weld a piece on at correct angle, and then I can drill hole as I line up bracket on engine block.

Thoughts?

What about the spacer behind water pump...should I remove and replace gasket between it and engine block?

Thanks

 

The spacer you are talking about is your timing belt cover. If it gets disturbed in any way it will leak.

 

I thought this engine uses a timing chain?
When you say disturbed, do you mean my changing the water pump this is considered a disturbance and may cause a leak?

What gaskets are involved behind that cover (cover to block)?

I know there is one similar to the water pump to cover (paper/fiber type) but is there a rubber one of some sort?

Is it just the cover that is removed or are there other items involved behind the cover?

Thanks

 

They are chain. There is a gasket between the block and the cover. If it gets moved and breaks the seal it is going to leak. So when you get your water pump job done wich is a pain in the *** job do begin with now you get to do it all over again to replace that gasket

 

You shouldn't have any problems with an oil leak from the timing chain cover after a water pump swap…

 

Water leak not oil

 

The po of my truck had the shop do a water pump and I called and talked to the shop after I bought my truck to see if they replaced that gasket he said no theres no need. Well I can tell you from personal experience there is a need as mine leeks from the top right corner

 

Is replacing this cover gasket as easy as removing cover, cleaning, and reinstalling cover with new gasket and sealant? Are there any other gaskets or seals that are behind this cover that will also need to be replaced, ex. rubber seal for timing cover?

 

The water passages in the aluminum cover get corroded on the back side.
They leak because the PO did not maintain his coolant, NOT because the timing case needs to be resealed every time the pump is changed.

It's always a big job when you have to remove the harmonic balancer.
If you're in there it is likely you want to replace the timing chain and gears, replace or put a SpeediSleeve on the balancer, replace the front main seal, possibly replace the water pump backing plate(if it is corroded) check the fan clutch and replace if you laid it flat and now the fluid is leaking out.
DEFINITELY replace the little pump bypass hose that goes to the intake manifold. That thing sucks when it fails...
Don't forget the four little bolts that come up through the front of the oil pan. (I hate gluing those little 'ears' on in place of a full oil pan gasket)

Always use a proper harmonic balancer puller so you don't trash it. That's $100 you don't need to spend if you just borrow the tool from one of the chain stores.
And be sure to get the woodruff keys back in the right place.

Use Loctite PST on those waterpump bolts that go through into the water jacket.
You will understand this when you first try to get the already corroded ones out.

I like to make a little outline of the pump on a piece of cardboard and poke all the various pump bolts through.
There's a bunch of different lengths and you will be upset when you can't figure out which goes where.