I'm waiting on my pump to come in the mail and just wanted to make sure i had everything i need when it gets here.

Removed the shaft from the block and found a composit timing cover for 20 bucks so i do not have to mess with filling the pump shaft hole.

on the water pump itself where the shaft runs to the back of the pump....Will i need to plug this with a freeze plug, will one come w/ the pump? What size will i need?

What have you guys done??

THANKS!

 

The pump comes with a freeze plug. Dont use a composite timing cover, there are none that fit our cars due to the opti AFAIK. Get a freeze plug that fits the water pump shaft hole. I dont remember the exact size, but bring the cover to a hardware store and im sure they could find one

 

also forgot...what about the gasket? it with the pump.

Thanks again!

 

You'll need a pair of water pump gaskets. Felpro makes a set, they're like $2 each. The pump comes with an O-ring to seal it to the water pump cover, but you might want to use some ultra copper silicone RTV as well, to get a perfect seal.

 

sweet, i already have the pump to block gaskets. looks like some RTV and i'm set.
Thanks!

 

Oly other advice I have is dont overdo the torque on the WP cover bolts. They're small, and WILL shear. Snug tight is all you need

 

The waterpump seal in the stock timing cover is a shade under 1-1/4". I believe the exact size is closer to 1-7/32". It would be best to just take the timing cover in though.

I picked up some 1-1/4" freeze plugs, but they'll take a little grinding to fit. I know that others merely use a few washers and a bolt after grinding the back-side of the cover down. As long as it doesnt leak...

 

I forget, am I supposed to use the big round rubber gasket in addition to the water pump? Or no....I bought one, forget if I'm supposed to use it or not.