Nightmare Jigsaw

arp sells bolts for everything for the mustang, you might want to check with them.

sounds like he used the incorrect bolts for the fan, you might have to get a tap and make some new threads on the water pump impeller.

Try talking to the guys at your local ford dealerships parts department. They have exploded views of assemblies on their computer they use to look up parts. I did this after becoming frustrated with the pictures in my Chiltons & 1990 Mustang shop manual. Beware of actually ordering any bolts from the dealership though; they are pricey.

I am not sure if an aftermarket bolt kit would solve your problem, unless it is made specifically for your model car—i.e., be cautious of buying a kit for a “ford 302.” Some of the studs need to hold brackets specific to your model car. Unless your originals are damaged, it would be easiest to reuse them. Others may disagree.

I would double check to see if you have the right water pump. The old style v-belt pumps turn the opposite direction of the serpentine pumps. Maybe the bolts don’t fit because it is the wrong water pump—just a thought.

If you have the old water pump that you know came off the engine, then the impeller blades should point the same direction on the new pump. The water pump on a serpentine mustang is a reverse rotation water pump. If the impeller blades point the opposite way, than the new pump is a normal rotation pump and would be the wrong one. However, I thought they would both bolt up, which is why you have to know for sure what you have...? I would bet the new pump is the wrong part, or like was said, the threads got messed up by the previous owner. Also, there are different length bolts for different bolt holes. Look at the front face of the engine and look at the timing cover. You can estimate how long the bolt should be/which bolt to use by putting each one in each hole of the timing cover to see how much sticks out. Once you have it right, all the bolts should stick out the timing cover the same distance-roughly. Assuming you have all the old bolts. Don't force the bolts in. Some of them bottom out and will snap off, other will thread way into the water jacket. No need for that.