When you need to apply sealer to a bolt, what part of the bolt do you put it on? I've done this a hundred times and suddenly wondered if I was doing it right? For example, I am preparing to install a water pump on my 7.3. Would it be best to apply the sealer to the threads of the bolt or the shaft, closer to the head. I've done it both ways, and never had a leak so maybe it doesn't matter. I was just wondering how some of you other guys approached this.

 

what kind of sealer are you talking about? i always coat the threads of the bolts with antiseize compound

 

I've always used water pump sealer or rtv. I have used antiseize when reccomended though.

 

ok having never messed with my water pump( knock on wood never have to) I dont know what you should use. i have the service manual i can look it up for you (but not before this weekend)

 

It wasn't a technical question really, just more of a "How do you do it" question. Also looking to see if there was a reason to do it one way or the other.

 

A thin consistant layer on the threads.

You only need to coat the area of threads that are used.

-Enjoy
fh <font color="#FF0000">:</font> )_~

 

Be very careful to keep the water pump bolts in the same holes.
A couple different lengths are used, and a couple of them will hit the timing gears if you install the wrong (longer) bolt in those holes.

My method,
Lay the new water pump beside the truck.
As you remove a bolt, stick in in the same hole in the new pump.
When you have them all removed and the old pump off, transfer them to the old pump.
Now clean the surfaces off in preperation of installing the new pump.

You will notice two bolts in the center of the timing gear cover plate.
Both of those bolts must have thread sealer (pipe dope) on the threads before they are installed.

Failure to do this will put coolant into the oil through the timing gear cavity.

The rest of the bolts, I use Never Seize on the threads.

Once again, make sure you put all of the bolts in the same hole they came out of on the original pump.
A bit of RTV on the gaskets, both sides, let it tack well before assembly, helps prevent leaks.

 

My chiltons manual listed all the bolts to apply the sealer too. I am also letting it sit overnight before adding the coolant. I removed the old pump with all the bolts still through it and laid it next to the new one and tranferred them to the same holes.