Some problems(?) during F150 water pump change

[rodbolt17]

my guess is for retaining it during assy.
at the factory.
no sealer required on the pump.
I use grease to retain the orings.

[Jason2tpa]

For some reason I went out and started poking around at the water pump housing cover and I "think" this grey stuff is some sort of sealant / adhesive someone put on it, for what reason I have no idea.

I would say so. I found a similar hardened substance layered around the pump housing rim of mine the first time I made a new pump installation on my engine . It was orange though. You can apply some plastic-safe adhesive remover to a rag, rub all that gunk off. Could also scrape it off, just be careful not to gouge the housing surface the impeller spins along. Or buy a new one.

[pstephens46]

I hope the OP ordered a new one! That one looks shot....

[FL_Marine]

I hope the OP ordered a new one! That one looks shot....

I am going to get a new one.