Never changed on before and a buddy of mine was telling me a horror story or two. Just wanted to see if anyone had any tips/advice/warnings, ect.

As far as the belts go, how vital is it to have the tool to measure belt tension? Because I do not have one.

I've never used a belt tension tool, just don't crank down on it too hard. Also be careful when torqueing the bolts that hold the waterpump to the timing chain cover. They can strip very easily when overtorqued. Other than that, it's a very easy job to do!
If you want a horror story, try changing the pump on a 4.9! :(

Thanks for the tip on over tightening. One of these days I'll buy a torque wrench

Make sure to get the right pump, some of them have a threaded pipe plug hole and some are casted different for pully relief.

No need for special tool for fan belts.

As I recall, there are about 54 bolts to play with.

BE REAL CAREFUL IF YOU USE CAST BOLTS IN THE ALUMINUM. THERE IS A SPECIAL ANTI-LOCK GOOK THAT YOU MUST USE.

I am about to put a water pump on my 472 today. I am wondering about the antilock goop. About how much should I use on each bolt, and will the parts store guy know what I am talking about?

I am about to put a water pump on my 472 today. I am wondering about the antilock goop. About how much should I use on each bolt, and will the parts store guy know what I am talking about?


I used Blue RTV on the gasket, and you only need just enough to cover. Too much and it will squeeze out when you tighten the bolts and you will have sealant in your cooling system

I already got some gasket sealent. That's not an issue. My question is how important is should I use antiseize on the water pump bolts. Can I use spark plug anti seize?

Well on that one, I can tell you I chanced it and put nothing on. I hope I don't regret that down the road!

I already got some gasket sealent. That's not an issue. My question is how important is should I use antiseize on the water pump bolts. Can I use spark plug anti seize?


Don't lose any sleep if you skip the antisieze. It can't hurt to use it but tens of thousands have gone without.

Anti-seize compound should be used when dissimilar metals come in contact. It is not vital in most cases as most installations are not critical. Sparks plugs in an aluminum heads is an example of a critical installation. I know prefer to use blue loctite for water pumps. I once had hardware come loose on a water pump that had small steel bolts in an aluminum block that I used anti-seize compound on.

RTV silicone is a good lubricant when not cured. Putting it on both sides of a gasket is a great way to make that gasket squeeze out of place when first installed. 3M weatherstrip adhesive on 1 side and RTV silicone on the other has worked well for me.