Well, it seems all is well and done. I pulled the pump back off yesterday and it was the gasket, which had gotten wet enough to let it sag, and when I removed the pump, the gasket was torn and it was indeed pulled down a bit. At least the replacement is metal/silicone and is doing well. I had a scare after I took it for a ride and rechecked the pump and found the lower front long bolt was backed out about 3/16", even though I torqued all the 5/16 bolts to spec. It wasn't leaking, thankfully, but I couldn't figure out how it worked its way out. The sealer did it's job, obviously, but it just happened to be the one bolt hole that seems to be clogged with dexcool mud (the other 3 weren't). The threads were crudded up with the red stuff every time I pulled that particular bolt back out. I figure the bolt not being all the way home was due to some crud, or something, because my torque wrench absolutely clicked at 25ft/lbs. But I will never walk away after torqueing without taking a second look at the bolt I just heard click again! It seems to be holding fine after an hour of driving in search of a Loctite stripped thread repair (form a thread) kit, just in case. Anyway, I also cranked the suspected timing cover bolt and it seems to be dry so far, also. So thanks, everyone, for the guidance and help with this project. My daughter plans to sell this car sometime after their divorce is finalized, so I may not be around for long, but I'm sure glad I found you guys. So far, I've replaced her tires, throttle body unit, the thermostat, flushed the engine and replaced the dexcool with green, backflushed the heater core, changed out a rear window regulator, re-glued the rear headliner, and changed the oil. But this morning, I'm sure I heard the front discs rubbing, so I guess I'll be doing the brakes next weekend?? And so goes life in southeast Missouri. I am much obliged to you all. Lee Butcher
