GM water pump

[Tom Sharpe]

Greg Hermann wrote:

> Don't know this engine, but on most, there is also a small air bleed hole
> somewhere near the thremostat (usually 1/16 to 3/32 diameter) which lets
> air bubble past the stat during initial filling. This is easily plugged
> with "stuff". If it has become plugged, you might be getting a really big
> air pocket when filling that does not go away until the stat opens on first
> warm up. Could it be that this is causing the seal to run dry long enough
> to tear it up??--Also, bent or otherwise jammed stat??

I always drill a couple of 1/8 inch holes in the thermostat before installing. Warm
up is slightly slower but you don't get that occilation(sp) when the therm. opens.
It's also a lot easier to fill up!. Regards  Tom