Insure you use a gasket on both sides of the sheet-metal plate. Check each hole first to see whether it is blind or penetrates into the water cavity. For the later, coat the bolt threads with sealant. I use Permatex gasket sealant, which is a gummy rubber liquid which cleans up with ethanol. Best to take your time and first install each bolt without the pump until it bottoms out and measure to insure it won't bottom out with the pump on. Also clean up threads with a tap if any rust. Don't coat the gaskets with RTV like some gomers do. If you feel you must, use a gasket sealant and best if only on one side so the gasket won't want to squeeze out and tear.
