Threads Inside Bolt Hole Stripped While Changing Water Pump

No, I didn't. I'll buy some and apply it as it seems likely I'll need to get back in there to inspect everything.

 

Found one problem: the gasket didn't seat properly. Careless on my part.

 

This crud on the pump is concerning. It's not oil. Smells like rust. I've taken the radiator off 3 times over the last week and I've just been putting water in it for the sake of speed and not wanting to waste coolant.

 

Thats from straight water. Put some antifreeze in it. It will be fine.

 

The leak is now gone but it's still overheating. There is resistance when squeezing the upper radiator hose but it feels like it's full of hot air, not fluid. The level in the coolant reservoir is not changing. Before driving I put some (maybe a half-gallon?) of water in the radiator. While driving the engine was stuttering under power. Idle sounds good. Much better than it did with the old, cracked exhaust manifold.

 

Yesterday I did a more complete coolant flush (via this thread) and a Seafoam treatment (1/3 in the oil, 1/3 in the brake booster vac line, and 1/3 in the gas tank). Aside from some slight stuttering on acceleration (which I attribute to disconnecting the battery), things are sounding and looking good. Didn't overheat or smoke during a 20-minute drive on the interstate.

 

unfortunately those bolts have specific torque values

 

Definitely. I had to retap a second bolt hole while fixing my gasket mistake. Really glad I bought a tap set and a few extra bolts. Seems like I need to invest in a torque wrench.

 

I would try using a top notch sealant too

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgvQjbg0pA4

 

I would check the depth of the threads sometimes there are enough threads past the end of where the bold tightens to catch some threads with a longer bolt ,but you don't want to go past that depth because you might punch through into the block so be sure to check that depth you can put washers on the bolt if needed .the only other thing you might do is tap it to the next size. good luck