I finally started my 350 in the car, and the electric water pump that I put in is spraying water everywhere! Its a CSR small block chevy electric water pump I got off ebay. It was listed as new, and appeared to be brand new. I took it out to investigate the leak and found that the bolts that hold the motor to the housing are stripped! I've never loosened these bolts or taken it apart. Its on a sealing surface with a gasket, the water is blowing out this crack. Whoever put it together knows they were stripped because there was some kind of epoxy in some of the holes. I bought this over a year ago and finally got around to installing it, so I doubt I have any chance of getting a refund or anything. It must have been a return to the factory and someone then sold it to me or something. So now I guess I'll try to repair it, its steel screws into aluminum housing, so I don't have high hopes of it holding pressure. I think I'll drill it out bigger and put helicoils in it? So frustrating...

you might as well try it what have you got to lose. cheaper to fix than buying a new pump if it works. good luck.

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Helicoil the stripped holes - it should work fine and actually be stronger than new.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: Helicoil the stripped holes - it should work fine and actually be stronger than new.

Amen to that. Helicoils have saved me many times. IIRC a kit costs around $15

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, ZZP Intercooler, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

quote Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua: Amen to that. Helicoils have saved me many times. IIRC a kit costs around $15

The last kit I bought was $45 + tax.

Helicoils first; if not, drill and re-tap for the next largest size bolt. Its aluminum so it will tap easy...