Doing my timing belt work and replacing the water pump (WP). In 2006 this work was done for the first time since the truck was new.

In 06 I replaced the WP but used the original OEM housing. This time I again just ordered the WP to again reuse the housing. On assembling the WP with new gaskets two of the 6mm bolts stripped out the housing threads.

After examining the threads it turns out the original housing had used Helicoils in all the 6mm thread holes. I'm not sure if this is standard practice for aluminum housings with small bolts that only use about 1/4" of thread purchase or if this was a "fix" by the original OEM supplier. It did hold for over 20 years though.

I have ordered a new complete pump as I did not want to Helicoil again - even if it were possible. In future I might try to Helicoil for 1/4"-20 SS bolts.

So this is just a word of caution for those doing this work.