Water Pump Bolts

[gnx547]

My friend installed a new water pump on his 5.0 Mustang but he didn't use any thread sealant on the water pump bolt threads. There are no leaks at the bolts. Is it bad not having thread sealant on the threads? Does he need to add thread sealant or is ok without it?

 

[jrichker]

The short lower cylinder head bolt need sealant since they thread directly into the water jacket.

Water pump bolts not need sealant, they are not exposed to water. They do need antiseize because they tend to corrode and then become exceedingly difficult to get out. They often shear off, leaving a stub of the bolt threaded into the block. That broken bolt can be very difficult to remove.

 

[FoxMustangLvr]

My friend installed a new water pump on his 5.0 Mustang but he didn't use any thread sealant on the water pump bolt threads. There are no leaks at the bolts. Is it bad not having thread sealant on the threads? Does he need to add thread sealant or is ok without it?

Absolutely do as @jrichker advised. Pull one bolt at a time, apply anti-seize/sealant as required and re-install.

 

[De-Marko]

+10