I'm replacing the water pump, belts and rollers and wondering what most do in terms of the waterpump studs. I bought a hardware kit to replace all nuts/bolts/washers and wondering if I should replace the studs as well. I didn't have any trouble removing the waterpump however the studs have surface rust on them below the threads being used. I would prefer to save the headache of snapping one off in the block but I also see the wisdom in replacing them. What's the concensus with most of you? Do you always replace, seldom replace, replace when snapped off? Thanks...

Also, when removing the belts I notice both balance shafts were off their timing marks by one tooth in the clockwise direction. When reinstalling I am assuming I should set them back at their marks? The car ran fine and I never felt like I had a lot of vibration so not sure how much it matters? Thanks again.

 

For the water pump studs, I usually leave them unless there is an obvious problem with them. Surface rust is no biggie, altho it probably wouldn't hurt you to hit them with some rust preventive treatment before buttoning them up. I'd be more worried about bunged up threads on them. Replacing it just for the sake of replacing them leaves you open to breaking one off and having the fun of drilling it out.

Are you sure you got the cam timing right on the mark before removing it? Double check the cam timing to make sure its okay, and then adjust the balance shafts to the correct marks, no worries.

 

If you dont replace them, you could be driving tomorrow. If you try, you will be posting tomorrow. Just my experience.

 

Thanks, this is what i was hopeing to hear. I will clean up the studs and bolt holes well, may use a tap and die set depending on condition but don't really think i'll need it. I'm planning to use copper anti-seize on the nuts do you have a product in mind that you would use over the rest of the stud?

With regards to the timing the cam gear is right on and the mark in the cluch housing by the starter is centered so i think i'm good. I will set the balance shaft sprokets back on their marks when i re-install.

 

haha, exactly...

 

I was looking through different posts on water pump studs, just to get an idea as to whether to put something on the stud to prevent rust and saw this post and dam near pissed in my pants ....
If only I had seen this before I attempted to remove the stud ...
Great line ...says it all
Regards
Ed

 

Indeed! We occasionally have the "whats the dumbest thing you've done while working on your 951".
I'm thinking about a thread that says "what perfectly functioning component did you try to replace (in the name of great maintenance) and deadline your car for more than 3 days?"

 

Good option is to put stainless everything.

 

So dam true ....

From what I have been told, that may not necessarily be the answer as ( when water is involved) the stainless and the aluminum can interact ...?
Either way if it aint broke, dont fix it !!

 

As a 4 month old OP of an 86' 951, I must say I am extremely grateful for this forum. However, I sometimes feel lost in the community as most of my needs have already been addressed. I spend hours pouring through everyone's experience through the "SEARCH" function, but there is little interaction with the NOW.

As I have driven my car 4 times since driving from MN to Chicago and had the car up on jacks for the last 3 months, I appreciate this gem of thread (*****well labeled BTW)

CLUTCH + WYIT + OIL COOLER HSG + $100's of little extras as the weeks dragged on + Front Seals/WP/Belts = Time to go FAST!