Water pump shaft pushed back?....
 

I have a '94 22re with a blown head gasket that was also in a small front end wreck at one point. I pulled the radiator out of it, and was getting ready to pull the head on it. after getting some things out of the way, i realized that the water pump pulley had been pushed back approx. 3/8 of an inch in the wreck, to the point where one of the water pump bolt is nearly contacting the outer edge of the pulley. It doesn't affect the functionality of anything, but it has me wondering now, as the motor eats quite a bit of water, if there is anyway the shaft punctured the block and is dumping collant into it? As I am typing this, it sounds like a stupid question, but it sure has me curious.

The water pump does not leak whatsoever. What do ya think?

It there water in the oil ?, you would know it if there was, the oil would look like a milk shake, but to be on the safe side replace the water pump while you have it torn down.

Yea, I'm difinitely replacing the water pump while I have the whole thing apart. My head gasket is definitely toast! I had the plugs pulled and the no. 4 plug was covered with the "milkshake." While turning the engine over to TDC on no. 1 cylinder, the no. 4 piston topped out and shot a good glob of oil out the plug hole. I'll pull the head, and have it gone over. I have a very reputable machinist that I've dealt before, and he'll will give the bottom end a look over, examining the bearings and all for $15. If it need a hone and rings/new bearings, I'll have him do it, then get the thing back together.

I see these crate engines for sale, ranging from $1100 on up, but if I could have all that work done on mine for around the same money, and know who is doing it, and know what is being done, then why not go that route? I won't be wondering, "How extensive was the rebuild on this thing?"

You will know if it punctured the timing cover when you replace the water pump. It will be pretty obvious if the aluminum is cracked.