Engine Water pump back plate bolts touching timing cover?

[dqureshi06]

As the title says, I wanted to know if any of you have experienced this while installing your water pumps and if this is normal or not. The two back plate bolts are touching the timing cover but the pump seems to be installed evenly.

 

[AeroCoupe]

How thick are the heads of the bolts? Should be pretty think like +1/16”.

 

[dqureshi06]

How thick are the heads of the bolts? Should be pretty think like +1/16”.

They’re pretty thick, they came from the motorcraft pump that LMR has if it means anything, none of the reviews there mentioned anything about them being too thick

 

[AeroCoupe]

Should look like these.

Small Block Ford Water Pump Backing Plate Bolt

1965-70 Mustang & Shelby Concours specialty parts, Autolite alternators, driveshaft restoration, and reproductions. Collection of the best repro parts available

www.deadnutson.com

 

[dqureshi06]

Should look like these.

Small Block Ford Water Pump Backing Plate Bolt

1965-70 Mustang & Shelby Concours specialty parts, Autolite alternators, driveshaft restoration, and reproductions. Collection of the best repro parts available

www.deadnutson.com

No, they are much thicker than that for sure. Do you know if I can find these bolts at a hardware store?

 

[Mac131]

I emailed LMR about this exact issue about 2 weeks ago. Those bolts are not correct. You will need to use your old ones. The new motocraft pumps are made in China and it shows. I have pictures of the bolts mine came with in my progress thread.

 

[Mac131]

No, they are much thicker than that for sure. Do you know if I can find these bolts at a hardware store?

You can grind the heads down so they are much thinner.

 

[General karthief]

Or you can buy the same water pump from the local parts store, problem? Just take it back and get another.
LMR is a great place to deal with tho, best customer service.

 

[Mac131]

Or you can buy the same water pump from the local parts store, problem? Just take it back and get another.
LMR is a great place to deal with tho, best customer service.

Yeah they hooked me up with a coupon code for showing them this bolt problem. I wish their return process was more user friendly. Having to weigh and measure the box before they will give you a label is a PITA. They need to improve that whole process.

 

[Mac131]

No, they are much thicker than that for sure. Do you know if I can find these bolts at a hardware store?

I can almost guarantee that water pump isn't sealing with those bolts.

 

[dqureshi06]

You can grind the heads down so they are much thinner.

I went ahead and found my old water
Pump in the trash and used the bolts from the old pump, much thinner now.

 

[limp]

I went ahead and found my old water
Pump in the trash and used the bolts from the old pump, much thinner now.

Never throw anything away until the job is up and running with no problems.....Sometimes keep the old parts longer until you are sure your new parts are working well........

 

[dqureshi06]

Never throw anything away until the job is up and running with no problems.....Sometimes keep the old parts longer until you are sure your new parts are working well........

Yeah, I had to really dig into my trash to find it, trash day is only tomorrow so
I got pretty lucky there.

 

[General karthief]

Never throw anything away until the job is up and running with no problems.....Sometimes keep the old parts longer until you are sure your new parts are working well........

AHHHH.........does that include sensors and senders that you know are bad???

 

[limp]

AHHHH.........does that include sensors and senders that you know are bad???

LOL.. Maybe.... If only to see why your lines or connectors don't fit the new ones due to them being different.....