Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator

PITA water pump process

Eddie Greenlee

TJ Addict
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Mississippi
Hey y’all , the last couple days I changed out my water pump and thermostat for the first time. I went by the book on everything.
The only thing I’m really worried about is the metal J heater hose coming off the water pump leaking.
I used thread tape on it and tightened it hand tight so it would line up, but It wouldn’t turn another complete turn. So I took it off cleaned the thread tape off, put new tape on hand tightened it again and finished the job.
It got late on me ,so this morning I’ll fill with anti-freeze and crank it.
What’s your thought on it leaking ???

IMG_4719.jpeg
 
Did you tighten it more than hand tight? My thoughts are that you'll know soon enough if you are good or not.

FWIW, I followed advice from @TheBoogieman and ran a barb hose adaptor into the WP so I wouldn't have to deal with that tube anymore. I believe this is what I purchased (3/8" NPT to 5/8" barb fitting).

If it leaks , I think I’ll just cut it off and try the barb hose adapter!
Have you had any problems with yours ?
 
The pump I took out, pipe was probably one turn past hand tight. I didn’t want to crack the new pump so I only hand tightened the new tube on the new pump. It had reddish thread sealer on it and I’ve got no leaks. Replacing with a barb will be my solution if it were to leak. Thread tape and hand tighten you’ll be good.
 
Hey y’all , the last couple days I changed out my water pump and thermostat for the first time. I went by the book on everything.
The only thing I’m really worried about is the metal J heater hose coming off the water pump leaking.
I used thread tape on it and tightened it hand tight so it would line up, but It wouldn’t turn another complete turn. So I took it off cleaned the thread tape off, put new tape on hand tightened it again and finished the job.
It got late on me ,so this morning I’ll fill with anti-freeze and crank it.
What’s your thought on it leaking ???

View attachment 618762

I used Rector seal pipe dope. And counted the number of turns to remove the pipe. You may be able to get 1 more turn if you are stopping at hand tight only.
 
I used Permatex thread sealant on that pipe when I replaced the water pump and pipe in 2019. No leaks. Also used it on the temp sensor threads.

Thinking about going the barbed hose adapter route if I ever have to replace them again.

IMG_8982.JPG
 
Just as an FYI, Dorman (I think, maybe Crown) makes that pipe - it was actually in stock at my local O'Reily's when I needed one.

I used that on the thermostat housing. But I used the thread tape on the heater hose J go ahead pipe. So far no leaks
 
The pump I took out, pipe was probably one turn past hand tight. I didn’t want to crack the new pump so I only hand tightened the new tube on the new pump. It had reddish thread sealer on it and I’ve got no leaks. Replacing with a barb will be my solution if it were to leak. Thread tape and hand tighten you’ll be good.

So far no leaks 👏👏👏
 
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Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ radiator