Coolant/water leaks from water pump bolts vibrating loose

PSBAKLEY

MEMBER
CHEVROLET S-10

2001 Chevy S-10 Extreme, 70K miles, 4.3/262 01-04 engine recently replaced with NAPA rebuilt of same. Coolant/water repeatedly leaked from area of bolts to water pump every 2 weeks or so despite driving conditions. Kept tightening bolts, finally replaced with new factory bolts, happened again after 2 weeks. Even put some threadlock on the bolts this time and still they loosen and leak from that area. Have checked and replaced all gaskets, hoses, seals, fluid keeps leaking from that area only. I'm the Mom posting this, so if this isn't too technical, that's why! Please help if you can!

1 Reply

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,938 POSTS

Hi there,

You will have to drain the coolant and make sure the threads are dry, check with your spare parts dept as to what thread sealant they have for that particular application. Use clean bolts with sealant and use a good quality spring washer as a added precaution, leave untill sealant has cured and fill coolant. Don't try and re tighten when set as this will break the seal.
This hopefully will solve you problem.

Mark (mhpautos)