Big block waterpump issues

[Cruz89K5]

Copied and pasted from my build tread. From my 454.

So for the 4th time I've lost water pump gaskets. The first time it pushed the gaskets out. Second time it loosened the bolts. Third time I loctited the bolts and they worked loose again. Proper torque once, close near overtight, just gaskets, gaskets with GM sealant. Last time I bought a new delco pump with gm gaskets. Ran a few hundred miles. Checked torque a few times. Got home today, pissing fluid. I'm to the point of drilling safety wire holes and wiring the bolts. Is there something I'm missing? Worn holes in the block? Bolts look good.

 

[nvrenuf]

Must be worn holes, I've run big blocks since the late 80's and never had that kind of issue. It'll suck but maybe heli coil it.

 

[skunked]

Try new bolts and loctite. The holes can't be that bad if you can torque them down.

 

[bigblock72]

Copied and pasted from my build tread. From my 454.

So for the 4th time I've lost water pump gaskets. The first time it pushed the gaskets out. Second time it loosened the bolts. Third time I loctited the bolts and they worked loose again. Proper torque once, close near overtight, just gaskets, gaskets with GM sealant. Last time I bought a new delco pump with gm gaskets. Ran a few hundred miles. Checked torque a few times. Got home today, pissing fluid. I'm to the point of drilling safety wire holes and wiring the bolts. Is there something I'm missing? Worn holes in the block? Bolts look good.

Is the fan bent? Is the fan clutch tight? I'll bet you have something vibrating and is wearing out the gaskets and letting the bolts loosen up.

 

[76zimmer]

are the holes clean? Are the bolts too long?
If your tightening the bolts against crud or sealant it may not actually be tightening by thread engagement, but rather by hydraulic force which could give the illusion of proper torque. It could also possibly crack the hole if overtightened.

 

[Kain]

had this problem with my sbc and bbc. get bolts that are not coated, like chrome or zinc coated bolts. get plain jain grade 8 bolts and lock tight them

 

[Kain]

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g1572hs

 

[Hoss7979]

There's gonna be something else causing your issue, I've always used the supplied bolts w/o any issues. I would run a tap down through there just in case. I've always also just used rtv and never had an issue. Maybe the belt is putting to much down pressure on the pulley and causing it to vibrate like stated above....

But I've always used a bolt then a lock washer then a flat washer as well, hopefully that helps

Here's my first setup w/ just plane Jane bolts...


Here's my current setup w/ the Allen head bolts....

 

[1-ton]

are the holes clean? Are the bolts too long?
If your tightening the bolts against crud or sealant it may not actually be tightening by thread engagement, but rather by hydraulic force which could give the illusion of proper torque. It could also possibly crack the hole if overtightened.

Yep, the bolts may be bottoming out before tightening down.

 

[Cruz89K5]

They are the stock bolts I assume. The pump I removed was a GM pump and I wouldnt be surprised if it was factory. I will try new bolts and I bought a set of picks to make sure the holes are good and clean. Fan isnt bent, belts seem to run smooth. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll update this with findings. I'm thinking new bolts and safety wire after cleaning the holes good and checking for any other damage.