I just bought an AC Delco water pump for my 96 T/A since the one thats on it has started to weep. I got the water pump and tried to turn the geared shaft that turns the blades in the pump and it does turn but it takes effort to turn it.

So my question is should I be able to easly turn it or is it being a little stiff ok? Just want to make sure it wouldn't be putting extra drag on the motor than it should. Thanks

 

It is supposed to have some drag due to the mechanical seal friction.

 

Thank you, thats what i needed to know!

 

Actually I got another question, what kind of thread sealer should i use on the water pump bolts?

 

Teflon thread sealer is best. Other folks use other things including Permatex, etc...

 

I wasn't aware that the WP bolts would need sealer of any kind. I'm about to install my reman Cardone WP this wknd, do you mean teflon tape or actual paste thread sealant?

 

Paste thread sealant is what I used. I think others use the same product.

 

Permatex high temp thread sealant is available at most any parts store.

 

I second the motion.

 

Thanks for the inputs, I couldn't find the permatex so I got some Loctite high temp thread sealant. That should work just as good right?

 

That will do.

 

Thanks!

 

I had problems with the liquid thread sealant. After 100 miles and a few weeks, the pump would start leaking through the two top bolts. I ended up using teflon tape. These bolts thread right into the water jacket, so if the bolt threads are not sealed, you will have problems with it leaking.

 

The problem with tape (or even RTV) is that bits of it can break off and cause possible clogging in the small passages of the radiator. Reasonable care should be taken. Bolt thread erosion can also be a sealing factor. I forgot the sealant on my first w/p install and it still did not leak.

 

I was told to just use some of my Permatex Ultra Black on the WP bolts, would that be sufficient?

Was also given some blue loctite for my rotor screws, I thought red was high strength but was told blue is for the smaller screws such as what is used for the rotor...