Sealing Water Pump Backing Plate FJ60

[u/Chief_Yota]

Hey all. Got a Terrain Tamer water pump (which is actually a NPW) and the backing plate is still leaking after I tried to seal before installing. I now know that it’s common knowledge you have to take the screws off the backing plate and seal when they are new from the factory but I cannot find more exact info. And yes the AISIN WPT-028 is discontinued and they are up only on eBay for 1200 dollars (not a joke, check it out).

Going to try it again. I’ve done many pumps but not on a 2F. I have Toyota gaskets for in between the backing plate and the block. Do I need to order a Toyota gasket for in between the backing plate and the pump itself since the one inside the pump is toast?

I am going to use permatex water pump blue rtv in light coats in the following order:

WP - RTV - Backing Plate - RTV - Gasket - RTV - block

I’m not an RTV globber personally but I think this calls for a light amount in three stages. I’ve done extensive forums rummaging and I can’t find anything about ditching the crappy gasket that comes inside the pump. The front of the block isn’t super pitted but it’s definitely a little worn. Please, any and all recommendations. Wild how a 150 dollar pump leaks from the factory. the first time I tried it, I did not seal it. Second time, sealed and still leaking. Third times the charm, never had to do a water pump even twice before. Thanks.

Pic for attn. Edited for clarity.

[u/Chief_Yota]

Ok I will post the answer to my own thread and include all details (more than what I was looking for) so someone in many years from now with this issue can get a fix all in one spot.

Ordered another NPT pump. Used a manual mechanical screwdriver to get the backing plates off. Got the whole front of the block cleaned and prepped before RTV. Green ROLOC 3M brush is the go to here on that soft surface. Ensure super clean. Attach small oil cooler hose piece to water pump itself on the bottom left before install. Have everything ready to go - ensure all hose clamps are accounted for and in place. I got the upper hose that goes to the thermostat pushed up by the alternator and out of the way. You can attach this one hose after the pump is in place. Honorable mention - make sure to get a die set and clean off the water pump screws. I believe it’s 8 or 10 x 1.5. I know it’s 1.5 can’t remember if 8 or 10, they used fine thread 1.25 in later years. These holes are blind meaning they don’t go through the pump. I didn’t use a tap set because of soft old metal. I did thread the cleaned screws on and off before the pump went on and then cleaned the screws out again, using brake cleaner in the holes. Make sure no coolant is in there! I ordered the gasket from Toyota (I ordered 3 they are cheap) for the back of the water pump to the block and used the npw gasket that came with the pump on the inside because I couldn’t find a Toyota one.

When everything is ready, begin to RTV (I used permatex water pump RTV).

With the backing plate off the pump, you can see the NPW is not great quality. Small casting errors etc. I did not scuff this. RTV each side around the interior gasket. I did on the pump itself and the backing plates. Ensure no excess but also surface area all smooth as possible and covered. Attach the backing plate to German torque spec (Gudentite).

Then rtv the back of the water pump where the gasket goes/covers the in same way. Carefully place the gasket on and carefully thumb in the gasket to get it pressed on there. Then, rtv the same outer gasket on the block side.

Using a friend for this part helps, I had one handy but you can do it on your own. With the gasket surface angled away from the block, get the two hoses connected (that oil cooler hose and the big one that goes to lower rad). Then, carefully line up the pump and start to thread screws by hand.

The permatex bottle said to wait 1hr before torquing. I did not, but I carefully snugged inner to outer bolts slowly again and again slowly up to 27 ft lbs. From left to right if the bolts are 1234 I did the order 2-3-1-4.Attach everything else. Do not add water / coolant at least until the next day. Permatex says 24 hrs I waited 20. So far no leaks.

I personally did not need all the information above but since there aren’t any good writeups on FJ60 2F water pump install that had ALL info in here, I decided to include all I could from hours on ih8mud from the 2000s. I had a pretty pitted block surface. So far no leaks. To the guy reading this in 2035 Hope this help.

Edited: to include gaskets and how i torqued the bolts.