Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket

1. Introduction

The Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket is engineered to provide reliable sealing for your vehicle's water pump. Fel-Pro gaskets are known for their application-specific materials, designed to deliver effective sealing solutions with the performance and durability expected by automotive professionals.

This guide provides essential information for the proper installation, operation, and maintenance of your Fel-Pro 35351 water pump gasket to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Image 1.1: The Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket. This gasket is designed for a precise fit and reliable sealing in automotive water pump applications.

2. Compatibility

The Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket is compatible with various Buick models. Always verify compatibility with your specific vehicle before installation.

Compatible Vehicles:

• 2005-2005 Buick LaCrosse
• 2006-2008 Buick Lucerne
• 2005-2005 Buick Allure
• 1986-1988 Buick Century
• 1989-1993 Buick Century
• 1986-1990 Buick Electra
• 1986-1995 Buick LeSabre
• 1996-2005 Buick LeSabre
• 1991-1994 Buick Park Avenue
• 1991-1994 Buick Regal
• 1991-1994 Buick Riviera
• 1991-1994 Buick Skylark
• 1991-1994 Cadillac DeVille
• 1991-1994 Cadillac Eldorado
• 1991-1994 Cadillac Fleetwood
• 1991-1994 Chevrolet Lumina
• 1991-1994 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
• 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
• 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Delta 88
• 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
• 1991-1994 Pontiac Bonneville
• 1991-1994 Pontiac Grand Prix

Important: Before purchasing or installing, use the vehicle compatibility checker provided by your retailer (e.g., "Amazon Confirmed Fit") and review any qualifier notes to ensure this part is correct for your specific year, make, model, engine, and trim.

3. Package Contents

The Fel-Pro 35351 package typically includes:

• One (1) Water Pump Gasket Set

4. Installation (Setup)

Proper installation is crucial for the effective sealing and longevity of the water pump gasket. Always refer to your vehicle's specific service manual for detailed, step-by-step instructions and torque specifications.

Pre-Installation Steps:

1. Safety First: Ensure the engine is cool and the vehicle is safely supported on jack stands. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal.
2. Drain Coolant: Completely drain the engine's cooling system according to your vehicle's service manual.
3. Remove Old Gasket: Carefully remove the old water pump and gasket. Clean both the engine block and water pump mating surfaces thoroughly. Remove all traces of old gasket material, corrosion, and debris. A clean surface is critical for a proper seal.
4. Inspect Surfaces: Ensure mating surfaces are smooth, flat, and free from nicks or damage.

Gasket Installation:

1. Position Gasket: Place the new Fel-Pro 35351 water pump gasket onto the water pump or engine block. This gasket type is often designed to be installed dry, without additional sealants like RTV, as it features a plasticized material with a crushable inner wire for optimal sealing.
2. Install Water Pump: Carefully align and install the water pump onto the engine block, ensuring the gasket remains properly seated.
3. Torque Fasteners: Install all water pump fasteners. Tighten them gradually and evenly in the sequence specified by your vehicle's service manual. Use a torque wrench to apply the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications. Overtightening or uneven tightening can lead to gasket failure and leaks.

Post-Installation:

1. Refill Coolant: Refill the cooling system with the appropriate coolant mixture, following your vehicle's bleeding procedures to remove any air pockets.
2. Check for Leaks: Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature. Carefully inspect the water pump area for any signs of coolant leaks.

5. Operation

Once properly installed, the Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket functions as a critical seal between the water pump and the engine block. Its primary role is to prevent coolant from leaking out of the cooling system and to maintain proper coolant pressure, which is essential for efficient engine temperature regulation.

The gasket's design ensures a tight, durable seal under varying engine temperatures and pressures, contributing to the overall reliability of your vehicle's cooling system.

6. Maintenance

While the Fel-Pro 35351 gasket is designed for durability, periodic inspection of the cooling system can help identify potential issues early.

• Regular Visual Checks: Periodically inspect the area around the water pump for any signs of coolant leaks, such as drips, stains, or residue. This can be done during routine oil changes or other under-hood inspections.
• Coolant Level Monitoring: Regularly check your coolant reservoir level. A consistently low coolant level without an obvious external leak might indicate an internal issue, though external leaks are more common with gasket failures.
• Address Overheating: If your engine shows signs of overheating, investigate the cause immediately. A failing water pump or gasket can contribute to overheating.

7. Troubleshooting

If you experience issues after installing the water pump gasket, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

Common Issue: Coolant Leakage

• Cause 1: Improper Surface Preparation: If the mating surfaces were not thoroughly cleaned of old gasket material, corrosion, or debris, the new gasket may not seal correctly.

  Solution: Disassemble, clean surfaces meticulously, and reinstall with a new gasket if the old one is compromised.
• Cause 2: Incorrect Torque: Overtightening can crush the gasket excessively, while undertightening can prevent a proper seal. Uneven tightening can also lead to localized leaks.

  Solution: Ensure fasteners are torqued to vehicle manufacturer specifications in the correct sequence. A new gasket may be required if the original was damaged by incorrect torque.

• Cause 3: Damaged Gasket During Installation: The gasket may have been pinched, torn, or otherwise damaged during the water pump installation process.

  Solution: Inspect the gasket for damage upon removal. Replace with a new gasket if any damage is found.

• Cause 4: Warped Mating Surfaces: In rare cases, the engine block or water pump housing surfaces may be warped, preventing any gasket from sealing effectively.

  Solution: Inspect surfaces for flatness using a straight edge. Machining or replacement of components may be necessary.

Image 7.1: Visual inspection for coolant leaks. Look for drips, stains, or residue around the water pump area.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

For specific warranty information regarding your Fel-Pro 35351 Engine Water Pump Gasket, please refer to the documentation provided with your purchase or contact Fel-Pro directly.

For additional support, product information, or to explore other Fel-Pro products, please visit the official Fel-Pro store: Fel-Pro Store on Amazon