Bracket Talk
Water pump leak

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https://drr.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/80760912/m/4727015307

July 08, 2026, 11:10 AM
SmokeEm
Water pump leak
I have a small block Chevy. The hole to the left below the water pump is leaking. How do I stop that from leaking?
July 08, 2026, 07:16 PM
RPROGAS
That small opening is a "Weep h0le" for water to escape when a internal seal ruptures, it's to let you know there is a breach. Then you have two options, rebuild the water pump, or replace it. The second option is the less aggivating option, just buy a new pump.

If this is a water pump on your race car, buy a Meziere water pump

Bob
July 09, 2026, 07:16 AM
sr4440
Are you referring to the hole below the water pump mounting bolthole located on the passenger side of the engine?


Without data, you’re just another guy with an opinion.
July 09, 2026, 11:19 AM
Eman
What hole are you meaning. On a stock style water pump there is a hole in the lower part of the casting. If there is a leak there the seal in the water pump is bad and you rebuild or replace the pump. On a factory 1st gen. block there are more holes on one side where the pump attaches then on the other side. The extra hole is the bypass which is why SBC don't have a bypass hose, it allows water flow when the thermostat is closed. Usually plugged on a race engine.
July 09, 2026, 12:10 PM
1leg
If you are talking about the hole on the left side of the block below the lower water pump mount bolt hole. Most stock blocks you can drill and tap for 3/8"npt plug. Tap deep enough that the plug is flush with the block.


Meziere Tech.
Make sure your water pump is on whenever you check your coolant level.
July 09, 2026, 02:31 PM
Top355x
Are you talking about leaking water or oil if oil from bolt hole next to balancer put short bolt in it if water is probably a bad water pump
July 09, 2026, 09:51 PM
sr4440
quote:
Originally posted by 1leg:
If you are talking about the hole on the left side of the block below the lower water pump mount bolt hole. Most stock blocks you can drill and tap for 3/8"npt plug. Tap deep enough that the plug is flush with the block.


I believe you mean 1/8 npt. No way a 3/8 NPT is going in there.


Without data, you’re just another guy with an opinion.
July 10, 2026, 08:18 AM
CURTIS REED
quote:
Originally posted by sr4440:
quote:
Originally posted by 1leg:
If you are talking about the hole on the left side of the block below the lower water pump mount bolt hole. Most stock blocks you can drill and tap for 3/8"npt plug. Tap deep enough that the plug is flush with the block.


I believe you mean 1/8 npt. No way a 3/8 NPT is going in there.


Joe, it just depends on how large of a hole you drill. Laughing Hard