85 Water Pump Backing Plate Gasket

[77CVT]

Are we able to buy these separately?  For some reason coolant was leaking considerably from the back of the water pump near one of the bolts that holds the backing plate on.

Did a quick search and came up with nothing.

[Vettech]

Try Ponti World or Chev Parts Yenora.

[sirfixalot]

,.I have a pump here which I took off my 78 thought the bearing was  gone turned out to be the belt if it suits you can have it for $10 plus postage

[77CVT]

Pump is fine, just the backing gasket that leaks. Just couldn't find a gasket for it and not sure one is available.

[bfit]

Make one
Bfit

[metalhead]

Definitely available, I've got one in the garage somewhere. Can't remember if it came in a full engine gasket kit or a water pump gasket kit or what. Summit has them.

https://m.summitracing.com/search/make/chevrolet/engine-family/chevy-small-block-gen-i/engine-size/5-7l-350/department/gaskets-seals/section/engine-gaskets-seals/part-type/water-pump-gaskets

[77CVT]

Turns out after a bit of cleaning it's the backing plate.   

Are all backing plates the same?  https://m.summitracing.com/parts/ssh-wpp001

[Vettech]

Ummm now thats different, have a 78, water pump leaked at rear, car had stood before I purchased it only filled 1/2 up with coolant.
Could not get a new pump or backing plate (20years ago). There was a line of corrosion right across and thru the plate.
In the end - I cleaned back to base metal, then silver soldered or brazed the holes up.
Then coated the whole plate with Red Stag, cut a new casket from bulk sheet.
Fitted it up - still ok after ~ 20 years.

[77CVT]

If only I could solder!   

[bfit]

never to later to learn new skills
bfit

[Vettech]

No Bob he dosent need to re-skill, I've reread this thread and all he needs is a sheet of gasket paper, blades, knives, sissors, hole punch, hammer.
Get pump off, get back off, use as template, cut new gasket and Bobs your uncle but dick will always be your best friend.

[bfit]

No Bob he dosent need to re-skill, I've reread this thread and all he needs is a sheet of gasket paper, blades, knives, sissors, hole punch, hammer.
Get pump off, get back off, use as template, cut new gasket and Bobs your uncle but dick will always be your best friend.

Read down the page , I said make a gasket

[77CVT]

I'll give it a crack!   

I'm keen to drive it after a loooooong time not getting the time to.  Worst case it only lasts a while and I have to pull it off again.   

[bfit]

I'll give it a crack!   

I'm keen to drive it after a loooooong time not getting the time to.  Worst case it only lasts a while and I have to pull it off again.   

the thing with water pump gaskets is you need to keep the impeller to cover clearance as standard  to get the correct flow
measure the original material if you can, and duplicate it .
Bfit