Inlet manifold/water pump

[Petrolhead500]

I have removed the inlet manifold from my 1980 TR7. Now I have come to put it all back together I have a couple of quick questions (hope they are not too silly - my first TR7). When I removed the manifold the gasket has red sealer around it. I always thought these gaskets go on dry - is this correct? There is a small link pipe with a rubber seal from the top of the water pump housing into the manifold. This look like a great spot for a leak! Any advice on reassembly. Many thanks. Steve

[dursleyman]

The little bypass tube with the rubber "O" rings is a favourite spot for a leak. Personally I think is always best to use new rings with a little smear of something like Hylomar and make sure it goes in carefully or you will be taking it all off again to stop a leak. Holding it all in place while you put the bolts in can be a fiddle and I saw this neat trick using a couple of dowels to keep it lined up. Take you time and do it once.

[Beans]

Check that the O-rings for the small tube between water pump cover and manifold, fit properly.
I have seen a few that were too thin, so only had a marginal seal.

Also the O-ring between manifold and head can cause problems.
Again the ones supplied sometimes are not correct.

And fit the manifold without the carburettors, as it is much easier to handle without them.

A few pictures and some more info in my blog:
https://tr7beans.blogspot.com/2010/09/water-pump-here-we-go-again.html