Water jacket?

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Water jacket?

June 07, 2010, 07:17:18 PM

On an 88 3.8 do the bolts on the water pump go into a water jacket? I've got an antifreeze leak between the water pump and the oil pump, and that's the only thing I can think of.

Water jacket?

Reply #1 – June 12, 2010, 03:03:56 AM

No. They go right into the solid block.

However, if you've got rotten gaskets inside, then water can seep into the stud holes and rust the studs/threads. Not fun. You should fix that soon. Trust me. I had the same problem.

You might not be able to tell from looking at it, but the water pump bolts to the timing chain cover, and the timing chain cover bolts to the block. And there are actually 4 (maybe 5) studs that go straight through the water pump and timing cover to the block. There are gaskets in between each of these. Probably the gasket between your water pump and timing cover is deteriorating and you're leaking from there.

I would say go ahead and replace that gasket, and while you're at it, probably the whole water pump, because its a real bear to get that thing off. You have to take EVERYTHING off the front of the engine, and you don't wan to do that again later if the pump decides to go out on you too.

Water jacket?

Reply #2 – June 12, 2010, 03:00:53 PM

X2, when I did my waterpump, I wish I would have done my timing chain cover. The gasket went about 6 months later. Also, check you timing chain while you have it that far apart. It is also alot better to pull the oil pan when you do the timing chain cover. I decided to try not to, and I have a new oil leak where I cut the front oil pan gaskets and couldn't get them back in right.

Water jacket?

Reply #3 – June 14, 2010, 01:02:21 AM

You were right sarjxxx, leaking at one of the studs. The thing was all rusted up, and I'm surprised it didn't break on me. One less issue to deal with, thanks for the help.

Water jacket?

Reply #4 – June 14, 2010, 02:11:53 AM

You need this, or some all thread.
DORMAN Part # 23744

Assuming the bolts are the same for the 3.8 and the 5.0. This is for the 5.0.