Suggestions U20 water pump backing plate cavitation

[nismou20]

So my water pump leaks from the mounting area to engine and not weeping as I thought. Seems there is a lot of pitting/cavitation at this area. Oem gaskets twice seems to have failed. Milling down the plate (resurfacing) would weaken the integrity of the plate. What Gasket, goop, sealer would you make this repair with? Anybody else have this cavitation/leaks and what was your remedy? Thanks,

[Linda]

Can you try JB Weld for water application, then sand it smooth? That will fill the pitting.
I think Permatex #2 is one that has been used on my car.
Linda
And maybe a thicker gasket too.

[fairladyproducts.com]

You can probably get a new backplate from JT or Rallye

Stan
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[GeoffM]

I would use Right Stuff on it and call it a day.

[nismou20]

No experience with Right Stuff. Would you use it along with the precut Gasket?

[redroadster]

The aviation sealer permatex on both sides of gasket then let fully dry before adding coolant should fix what I see there. If brake kleened 1st Sure the pump isnt tight on the stud ?
I wizz/ die grinder off the metal down to shiny steel too

[C.Costine]

When you have a gasket in a narrow place like that the gasket needs really good squeeze on it to hold sideways. Those pits reduce the surface area which reduces the area that is being squeezed. I would clean it up good, including phosphoric acid treatment, and then fill the low places with JB Weld or equivalent. Sand it smooth on a table saw deck or equivalent. This will restore your clamping force. Then you can call it a decade instead of a day, LOL.

[nismou20]

Thanks for all suggestions, I JBd it and sanded smooth. Made my own gasket and will Right stuff it and see.

[GeoffM]

If it was me, I'd forgo the gasket and just use right stuff. It's gasket replacer. If I was gonna use the gasket, I'd use aviation form-a-gasket as mentioned. (sorry for the late reply)

[Linda]

I think that is the right solution Tom.
My understanding is that Right Stuff is best for smooth surfaces , not meant to fill pits. I know Toyota uses it in some places.
Should work for you, hopefully.
Linda

[todd lorber]

I just put in a water pump but have not run it yet.
I cut a gasket out of some gasket material I've had around for years, using the old one as a template. The OEM gasket is very thin and I wanted more dimension to it. I sealed with permatex #2 on both sides. I also lightly filed the mating surface on the timing cover to make sure everything was flat and that there are no burrs.
Hope to get that motor started in the next week or so.

[nismou20]

So, Back plate is now JB’d and mating surfaces sanded smooth. I can cut a gasket piece but Right Stuff can be applied forgoing the gasket. Permatex dark goo with paper or just Right Stuff? I’ve decided to farm out the WP meantime to have rebuilt as it’s been many years in service.

[Linda]

There is gasket material you can buy that is meant for water areas, thermostat, waterpump etc. I think it was blue in color. Or any thicker than paper gasket material should work. I would cut the gasket and use the Permatex...which is just what I did after JBing the surface pits and sanding. I may have used the Rust Converter spray as well. Anyway you don’t want to do it again anytime soon soooo....
The Right Stuff was used on my Toyota and it works.
Linda