Tolerance of water pump play?

I will add to my compadre's good idea about a high flow water pump. Unless you also install a high flow thermostat, you will negate any added benefit from a high flow pump, because you will be restricted by the stock flow thermostat.

Lastly, put "some kinda" sealant on the water pump bolts. ALL of them. Some people only use sealant on those that hit water. I like to do them all, because the water pump is in a hostile environment and bolts can rust and corrode easily, causing them to break the next time they have to be removed. The use of "some kinda" sealant will seal of course and also keep them from breaking upon removal.

As to "what kinda" sealant, I will not discuss, as I always get railroaded by those who think their way is better and that's not the discussion we need "here".