I know this seems dumb but i just ruined my 3rd gasket set for it.. The bearing/gasket the slides over the water pump shaft keeps coming through and ripping.. I tried everything.. wondering if anyone else had this problem.. at this point im thinking of just leaving the ripped one on there but idk if its gonna spew oil lol.. if anyone has any advice id apreciat it.. and btw i installed it on the cover before installing the first 2 times and it diddent work, then i was reading on shbox to install the cover then slide it over the shaft... i just came inside from messing with it for about 4 hours and it ripped again.. i dont think theres much oil up there but would like to get it right but not gonna keep dropping money into the fire for gasket kits.....

 

Yep, there's a trick for putting the water pump seal on. First put your timing cover on with the seals off.
I did a write-up on it a while back: https://camaroforums.com/forum/lt1-lt4-tech-9/installing-water-pump-drive-seal-43601/

 

nice stuff camaro 69, he sent me a pm, this is so much better than what I told him...

 

yea i ran the part store out of gasket sets so I have to wait till friday to get another set then ill give it a shot again.. anyone need timing chain cover gaskets or water pump gaskets lol i have plenty!!

 

Heh, heh. Kinda funny that it's hard to buy just the water pump seal separate isn't it?
If you're doing this out in the cold, make sure the seal is good and warm and pliable before trying to stretch it over the installation tool.

 

Hey guys just wanted to let you know I got it... 4th times a charm.. LoL.. I ended up using a deep well socket and it worked out pretty good.. Thanks for the Idea Guys!!

 

you are now a master and can help others.

Yes, it stinks that you need to buy the kit. Fortunately (or unfortunately) for me, there are 4 parts stores within 7 miles from me so we have an almost endless supply.