I have seen a couple of methods. The 'ol bolt and washer deal, the quarter with RTV!LOL, and epoxy with a solid steel plate. What the hell is a good reliable way to plug this crap up after the electric water pump install? thanks for your input~~~rob

 

How about the waterpump drive gear? I don't have an electric pump but why not leave the gear in, its not driving the pump so its not taking away HP. That way you can be sure it fits and not have to worry about leaks. Unless its in the way of course, but I wouldn't know.

 

camaro37: one of the main reasons for running an electric pump is to run a cloyes timing set (not the LT1 model that costs 25000 dollars, the cheap SBC model) .. u cant run that with the water pump gear in there..

Trans-Am: goto ur local hardware store (home depot) .. in the piping isle (or something like that) u can find a brass plug that fits PERFECTLY .. just hammer it in and ur set

 

Sweet man!! I figured there would be a better way. Sounds like a brass should work. thanks man~!!!!! ~~~rob

 

I did the two washers, bolt and nut method. Used Black RTV on both sides too. Also, I made sure to grind the inner lip down flat on the inside of the cover.

That hole hasn't leaked a drop.

 

Joe I was considering that method but I am paranoid I guess. Imagine the bolt just dropping onto the timing chain at 6k. I guess if I was that crazy paranoid I could throw a quick spot weld on the threads,lol!!

 

LOL I went true "ghetto" and did a quarter with JB Weld At least I know my car will always be worth something!

 

That bolt isn't going anywhere. With RTV on the threads, around the bolt, and torqued down real tight, it isn't going to be budging loose.

 

I did the same thing Joe did.. no leaks, all is well.

 

This picture was before the RTV was placed on it.

Washer Method

I also made sure to screw up the threads so the nut could not back off.

Has not leaked at all!

 

I had mine welded shut and ground smooth so it looks factory when it is painted. Figured since I had a welder and the time, might as well do it right.

Q

 

I went to my local Carquest parts place (I know the owners, grew up with my father) and we sat and found the right size freeze plug. He order'd a whole box, just for me. The only things was that it was like 1/2" tall so I installed it and ground it flush. Looks a lot better than the JB weld method, I think atleast.