Getting water pump to seal

[bio 'Stroke]

I replaced my water pump a couple of days ago and it has a leak where it bolts to the motor. I have pulled it off re-cleaned the surface and used silicone and it is still leaking. Has anyone had similar problems? I couldn't find anything specific when I searched. One fellow had said I could try greasing the o ring instead of using silicone. I cleaned the gasket surface good I thought and used a torque sequence the second time around to no avail. Help!

[elibenson]

I have never had a problem with them sealing. I have done a few of them on my 7.3l vans. It's the same water pump. I don't know the secret of my success, really. All I can suggest is perhaps trying a new o-ring gasket thing. Check the one you have for any weird folds or bad spots. I'm sure you have already. I have never used anything besides the o-ring gasket (no gasket goo or anything).

good luck

[Drepka]

Maybe you have one that just happens to be defective from the manufacturer??

[bio 'Stroke]

Well, after driving around for a while adding 2 quarts of water every 50 miles I broke down and took the water pump off a 2nd time. As I was taking out the bolts for the thermostat housing the back one, the head came off in the socket. I had a broken bolt the whole time. The first time I pulled the water pump off, I left the stat housing on because I thought it was the water pump gasket that was leaking. I have been driving it for a couple of days and it looks like I finally got it.

Thanks for the help guys