I was filling up the coolant on the engine before its initial start up...

Waterfall between the water pump and timing cover.

This was when using a used timing cover and water pump. I used silicone to seal the surface between the pump and the pump backing plate. It was leaking on the driver's side coolant port going into the timing cover.

Even though all of the water pump bolts were "tight", can this be caused by rusted timing cover threads? I replaced the pump and resealed it all, using new gaskets, the problem got worse by leaking from both ports into the timing cover.

 

did you put any silicone on the new gaskets? they don't seal too well without rtv.

the timing cover can be cracked very easily too

 

I put silicone on the front and back side of the gasket between the pump and backing plate.

I did not use silicone on the gasket between pump and timing cover.

Are there any places that sell NEW timing covers?