Only 3 bolts holding fan to water pump?
 

I had to replace my cracking fan today. The new fan was smaller and I had to use a spacer between it and the water pump. As I was installing it and tightening the bolts back down, I heard a pop.

The threads popped out of my water pump pulley as I was tightening the bolt. I swear I didn't have that much torque on it, but needless to say, I can only tighten 3 of the 4 bolts back down now. Is it safe to drive around like this or what? I at least need the car tonight.

I suppose tomorrow I should put a new pulley on so that I can run all 4 bolts on it, but am I good to go tonight? I would love to be done with it and hear that just the three bolts will be fine, but I am assuming that is not what you guys will tell me :p .

If you run 3 of the 4 bolts, there might be a little vibration from it not being balanced, but nothing serious. It is ok to run the three bolts for now. You should really get another bolt so you can run all 4. The bolts screw into the water pump, not the pully. It just goes tough it. Just go to the local hardware store and buy the exact same bolt with a lock washer. Since bolts are so cheap, I would just go buy 4 new ones, just so you don't have to worry about them breaking again any time soon... :cool:

Well, the threads came out of the water pump hole....the bolts are fine. I think for now it is holding up pretty good with just the three bolts. When I get time I can pull it off and put a heli-coil in the water pump hole or just replace the pump. Until then I will just keep a close eye on the three that are in there.

BE CAREFULL. I once put in all four bolts in a hurry and forgot to tighten them down all the way. I know it's not the same as having three tight but I thought I'd warn you anyway. I drove down the road and felt an intense vibration coming from my steering wheel. It didn't take long to figure out the source. Result - broken water pump, cracked front cover.

One of my bolt holes for the water pump felt stripped when I was installing the new pump. It turns out that the "ear" on the block actually chipped away. Luckily it was hanging on and didn't fall into the oil pan. I didn't know what to do. Pulling the motor and having the block fixed wasn't worth it to me (old motor). I re-installed the pump with the usual RTV. I used a bead of JB weld as a gasket around the area with the missing bolt (outside bolt for coolant hole). It's been holding now for two years with no problems.

Tap the hole to the next size bigger and put another bolt in it...Problem fixed...

Smokedawg - That is probably what I will do. I just need to find the time to do it. For now the three seem to be holding alright. I will just keep a close eye on them.