After carefully refurbishing the water pump with a kit of parts and new lower housing, it seems that I have overtightened one of the bolts and damaged the gasket between the water pump housing and the cartridge outer plate in the area of one bolt. The photo shows where the area of the gasket around the nearest bolt has broken and been "squeezed out" by flexing in the upper water pump housing.
I have two choices at this point: 1) believe that the internal gasket is just fine and press on with reinstalling the lower unit, or 2) reopen the water pump, renew all gaskets and use less torque on reassembly.
Can anyone confirm my assessment of the root cause of the problem, and whether I can use-as-is?
Any comments on using Permatex on the metal surfaces to improve the seal?
I have two choices at this point: 1) believe that the internal gasket is just fine and press on with reinstalling the lower unit, or 2) reopen the water pump, renew all gaskets and use less torque on reassembly.
Can anyone confirm my assessment of the root cause of the problem, and whether I can use-as-is?
Any comments on using Permatex on the metal surfaces to improve the seal?
