Water Pump Leaking

[DRN2001]

Hi All
I just changed the timing belt and water pump; started her up and the pump is leaking like a sieve. Obviously I didn't clean up the block good enough - there was some corrosion from the old pump. Anyone have any suggestions as to the best way to make sure the new pump will seat okay? How about using a very fine emery cloth to shine things up? I've ordered another gasket...

[Archer]

Same thing happened to me, so annoying having to back-track. Anyhow, turned out to be a bit of the old gasket material on the block. Emery cloth sounds like a good idea...on the second attempt I used Permatex water pump & thermostat housing silicone rtv on the new gasket (thin coat) and under side of the bolt heads.

[DRN2001]

Cheers! I was wondering about rtv - some say yes, some no, but I can't see how it would not help...

[tardcart]

it would not prevent leak from a major misalignment, and if ever replaced again (doubtful since each pump is good for two belt changes) its hard to clean up the rtv in the close space.

[DRN2001]

RTV for coolant, it's a special one. Put just enough so it doesn't leak inside when positioning the pump. Smear a little on both sides of the gasket. Hope that is an Aisin pump right ? About the only safe brand (or genuine)

A razor blade to remove big chunks of old gasket, then a Stainless Steel Wire Sponge to finish the surface - doesn't scratch and it's tough enough for those limestone deposits. Be sure to tighten down the right torque - it's not a lot, too much will crush the gasket too much https://blog.fcpeuro.com/replacing-the- ... lvo-s60-t5

[DRN2001]

Thanks very much for your thoughts. I think I may have over tightened and that is part of the problem; my torque wrench didn't have a low enough setting so I've bought another one today...

[DeadEric]

If I use rtv, it's only on the pump side of the gasket to keep it in place during install. Keeps you from having to clean it from the block next time.

You can add coolant after the pump is installed before the belt is on. It should leak, if you have one, as the air will have a place to escape. I usually install the pump, clean the mess, fill the coolant till it won't take more then have a lunch or something. Check for leaks or drips when you're back.

You might be able to rent a coolant pressure tester from the auto parts store. They pressurize the system with an air pump and have a gauge to measure psi. Just make sure they have the fitting for your Volvo and don't use more pressure than your system does.

A nylon brush and some CLR isn't a bad idea for the block side. Might take more time than other methods but the cleaner the better.

[DRN2001]

Just clean the surface up well and make sure it is flat. The gasket will take care of most "normal" imperfections. I have never used RTV when it wasn't required. Many do it for good measure - that is your call. Just make sure the "squish" does not get into the coolant system.

[XC70Rider]

As Herman noted RTV isn't needed for the water pump gasket. When I installed the water pump earlier this year I just put a tab of silicone grease on the gasket to hold it in place. I scrubbed off the OEM gasket using brake cleaner on emery cloth. As mentioned cleaning up the RTV will be a hassle.