Noticed this on w.p. inlet after lower hose removed. Wonder what caused this and what remedies to take to repair or replace?
Looks like the engine sat without any antifreeze (no anti-rust protection) sometime in hits history. Water pumps are pretty cheap. If it leaks, I would just replace the pump.
I have seen pictures of the pump on this site, and it looks like the pump and the inlet are two different pieces. It looks like the inlet is second piece in that the distributor goes thru. I just bought the car a month ago, I would like to change it. Am I seeing this correct?
I've seen that in the past on water pumps, usually not nearly as bad as yours. I always figured it was either a poor hose/pump inlet fit, or bad/lose clamp. Keith
Correct, this isn't a water pump problem, it's the front timing cover itself, which attaches to fuel pump and distributor, and houses the oil pump. Not sure about repairing it, maybe filling the pitted area w/JB Weld or some other filler. Replacements can be pricey, see http://www.taperformance.com/proddetail.asp?prod=TA_1531B, or post in the "parts wanted section for a good used piece. If buying used, pay close attention to the oil pump cavity...excessive wear/scoring there means poor oil pressure & volume. Devon
If I was to try some jb weld, I wonder what material the timing cover is made of. Or is there just one type of jb weld?
Timing cover is cast aluminum, the JB Weld original formula would be a good bet. https://www.amazon.com/J-B-Weld-8265S-Cold-Weld-Reinforced/dp/B0006O1ICE/ Devon
Devon is right. I spent last few days working on a Chevy... Messes with your brain. I assume this is a 455. If you have to get a new cover, you can get them (with the front seal) for about $270; https://www.ebay.com/itm/184862099855?fits=Make:Buick&hash=item2b0aa3c98f:g:ibcAAOSwO6Ngs4nx 350 has jacket on the water pump.
Think I will go the replacement route from ebay. Don't want Jb repair floating in back of my mind, wondering if pieces are floating around where they shouldn't go. Thank you to all comments.
Understood. Make sure you're completely up to speed with oil pump gear end clearance setup. See https://www.v8buick.com/index.php?threads/oil-pump-clearances-and-oil-pressure.326597/ Devon
Another opinion: run it as is. Using the china ripoff (Proform, etc) has other issues. I would push the hose up as far as possible and clamp it up where the metal is "good". What can it hurt? If you are redoing the motor anyway then by all means replace it.
12 lives. Thank you for that option as well, that's the way it was and it leaked. Not a lot, but I'm having the radiator repaired now so I figured I got half the stuff off now anyway.
https://www.finishlinemotorsports.com/big-block-buick-loaded-front-cover.html Might get flamed. But I got one from them. Works fine. Not saying as good as the TA one, but way better than my pitted and worn original.
John - If they check it out that would be a better option than a "Amazon" version! Almost the same price too.
I decided to go with the timing cover assembly from TA performance that's all together. TA 1533A. Liked that it was improved for better oil pressure, ported and ready to bolt on. Thank you.
