waterpump torque specs and problem

[sleepyvr4]

I got my timing belt on today, and had all marks lined up. Good to go and I look at the bottom of my waterpump and it was leaking just a bit of green. I tried applying silicon sealant and torqueing the bolts to 15ft/lbs (that's what the dealership mechanic told me) I wanted to believe him because I had it on w/ no sealant and about 5 ft/lbs. Well, the top left and bottom right bolts for the water pump would not reach 15ft lbs - they would just keep turning and not getting tighter. any ideas? what's the torque spec? this is on a gvr4 (1g 6-bolt) thanks

 

[leet]

So you're saying that no matter how many times you turn this bolt, it just won't get any tighter?

Congratulations, You have some stripped threads. Either on the bolt, or in the hole.

 

[sleepyvr4]

WTF. any suggestions?

 

[steve]

Take it apart and figure out what you messed up.
Take an extra close look at the block and make sure you got rid of all the old gasket.

Steve

 

[sleepyvr4]

all of the old gasket was removed w/ a razor. I didn't knick it up at all either.

 

[steve]

OK, I've done the same and always find more when I shine a good light on the block.

The torque spec is 9-11 ft lbs on all but the bolt for the alternator bracket (bolt 4), that one is 14-20 ft lbs.

Did you get all the bolts into the right holes, each bolt is a different length?

Steve

 

[TimF]

I was doing this earlier today and stripped out a hole in my block. I can get the bolt to thread but does not torque down. now I have never had a stripped hole so would all I need to do it just get a 8m x 1.25 pitch tap and I would be good or do I need to go the next size up?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

Tap/chase it with the same size first. Sometimes the threads are still there and can be "shaped" back into useable condition. Otherwise you're looking at a helicoil.
I think it's worth buying the set. Even the cheap one - just be really gentle when using them, always lube and keep it clean.

 

[DSSA]

Unfortunately, this is common as Mitsubishi decided to use weaker bolts on the water pump (notice yhe "4" stamped in the heads) and a torque value that will often, if not most times cause the bolts to stretch before hitting said value (not user error--it's simply too much torque for the softer bolts).

Replace them with the stronger bolts ("7"s) if you want to torque them to the manual's torque value.