[N2TRUX]

With the old drive system out of the way, I was able to get a better look at the front of the block. I was pleased that the water pump gaskets were still in place, but that happiness was short lived.

I started to remove the water pump bolts and noticed that the top bolt was no longer tight against the housing. I had no doubt that I had tightened the bolt adequately, and coated them with silicone to ensure I had no leaks.

My heart sank as I realized that the top two bolts were sheared off. I can only assume that the force from the pulley on the snout of the pump snapped the bolts off. I removed the bottom bolts and slid the pump aside.

As expected, the bolts sheared smoothly at the block. Just when you think things cant get worse, they do.