351m/400 1978 F150

Was wondering if I could get some experienced eyes on this before I throw on my new water pump and gasket. This photo is after I used an abrasive disk to clean the surface. There was some mild brown/redish discoloration and you can still see the pitting. Is this ok to throw the pump on or do I need to prep it more.

Thank you !

 

I would replace it! Ask how I know. LOL. Tried getting by thinking mine wasn't too bad. You DO NOT want to do this job twice.

 

If there's enough surface area for the gasket, and if you can seal around those passages, it should be OK.
I'm the type who might try filling in those pits (the ones under, and close to, the gasket) with some JB Weld or something, to see if I could get it to seal.

 

Good points, Good to be safe then sorry, although I could easily just keep going down the rabbit hole until I replace the whole dang thing. One factor I’m going to consider is that the engine was running like a champ before it parked. The only reason it’s in pieces in the garage was due to electric issues. However I got a complete brand new harness and decided to add a bunch of goodies while it’s sitting. Electric fan, new aluminum radiator, high output alternator, smaller light weight starter, square battery posts, NSS, Vintage air system, some engine bay paint , grills, bumpers. $$$$. Yikes.

 

A billet cover is just one more goodie, haha.

 

I totally agree. It looks like hell.

 

Keep coolant with rust preventative in the engine. That one looks to have seen just water. They are bare metal when new, I'd run it.

 

I must admit that it looks a bit "rough". If you want to use it, first put a straight edge where the gaskets go on the plate. I bought a stainless steel one for my 460 from Australia.