I recently replaced my h2o pump on my '96 z-28
I mistakenly used loctite threadlocker blue instead of what I 'should' have used.
Upon rempving one of the bolts to replace the pump I recall seeing a small amount of oil leak down the bolt shaft upon removal.
In retrospect I am thinking that my increased oil leak may possibly be resultant of my improper thread sealant.
Can the bolts be removed, properly sealed, and re-torqued one by one to get the proper sealant in there?

Anyone in the know that can tell me which bolt it is I am describing??... it seems like it was the one with a stud for the air pump.

I have changed NOTHING else that would explain the increase.
It doesn't appear to be from the intake, which I plan on doing this weekend, it's not from the h2o pump cam seal.
I am now leaving silver dollar puddles whereas earlier it was occasionally a drop or two.
Thanks in advance.
Tal

 

You are supposed to use thread sealant on clean bolts-not thread locker.

 

I know I F#@$ up.
Do I have to re-install?
I am not leaking from the block, and not coolant.
Can you tell me which of these bolts have exposure to oil, or do they all I only saw one bolt leak any oil and by the time I read that I had used the wrong compound, it was too late.
Thanks,
Tal

Thanks for the reply shoebox!! I could use your expertise.

 

I don't know which bolts go into oil. But, you should be able to reinstall the one bolt with proper sealer without needing to pull the entire pump off again. Losing clamp load on just the one bolt shouldn't disturb the gasket seal. You need to get the threads in the hole pretty dry/clean first. Might require draining coolant. When I recently pulled my pump, I didn't see any oil come out any of the bolt holes, just coolant.

 

water pump bolts go into coolant, not oil


do you have any oil leaks from the front of the engine?

 

As mentioned above... WP bolts don't contact *any* oil passages in the block, just coolant passages.

If you have a coolant leak, just pull the bolt and reseal with thread sealant.

 

Thanks for the replies guys!
I am starting to think that the 'oil' was just really nasty coolant.
Last night I went and bought the correct thread sealant and individually removed cleaned, sealed and re-torqued the bolts properly on 5 of the six bolts.
I didn't get the bolt behind the ps pulley yet, and havent really had a chance to inspect my oil leak by light of day yet but I am expecting no change.
Thanks again,
Tal

 

Followup..
Had nothing to do with the h2o pump.
I replaced the intake manifold gasketing and (had my mechanic)replace the front main seal and I am down to about 5 random drops across the front area.
I am sure I will need to replace the front opti seal to dry her up completely..
But I need to purchase a good replacement opti before I cross that bridge.
Thanks,
Tal