Water Pump... Seal?

[lukb]

I'm replacing my timing belt, and while at it doing my water pump.
Getting conflicting instructions here...
I don't want to be taking it all back apart because its leaking, so I want to get this done right.

Some say use silicone meant for automotive
(I guess putting it lightly on both sides of the included paper-ish-gasket that was included)
And some say JUST use the included gasket thing.

What did you guys do?

 

[LiquidX]

Putting on a thin layer of RTV on both sides just help ensure that any small crevices get filled in. Do not glob it on there, THIN is all you need. You could also use Permatex copper spray.

 

[talonDSMerr]

I used only the OEM gasket, no copper spray or silicone. Everything was clean though, the block surface was clean and the water pump was new. The factory manual doesn't specify any sealant other than the gasket so that's how I did it, and it worked for me.

Everybody will have their own opinion as to how they like installing their gaskets though, wet or dry. Its a personal preference. People have had success both ways.

 

[dikdiamond]

Use a light layer of silicone to keep the gasket on the water pump during install,at least the night before so it can dry. I did not put any on the side that rests against the block,no leaks on mine. You can use it or not,just don't glob it on there. And make sure you get the old gasket off completely,I had to take a razor blade to mine to get it all off.

 

[lukb]

I razor-bladed mine clean.. And why in the world would I want a used water pump...

I got the thin part down... just the decision now..

Still open to people saying what they did.
Too dark to do it today

 

[fwdmaster]

You can use the gasket provided with the new water pump oem or after market and just apply a a thin even layer of RTV, thats my method

 

[lukb]

one quick add.
I have had my car on stilts for about a week I think its been.
And I would really like to get this finished tomorrow, so how would that impact this.
The RTV needs to cure I assume.

 

[donniekak]

Gasket, or rtv, not both. I use the right stuff for waterpumps on every vehicle i do, and have never had one leak.

 

[lukb]

Gasket, or rtv, not both. I use the right stuff for waterpumps on every vehicle i do, and have never had one leak.

What is "the right stuff"?

 

[fwdmaster]

one quick add.
I have had my car on stilts for about a week I think its been.
And I would really like to get this finished tomorrow, so how would that impact this.
The RTV needs to cure I assume.

The RTV cures really fast, but I would wait a couple hours or even a day just to be on the safe side

 

[lukb]

The RTV cures really fast, but I would wait a couple hours or even a day just to be on the safe side

snap..
instructions included with my pump say to
"coat gasket using tacky sealer"
and
"if using silicone, self curing" etc.. etc..
what do you all think of that now.
I didn't notice that before

 

[Anubis_4_99]

The RTV cures really fast, but I would wait a couple hours or even a day just to be on the safe side

+1

I've always used the gaskets supplied, plus a thin coat of RTV ultra blue silicone.

i always allow at least 3 hours to cure before i start the car, overnight if possible. never once have i had one leak or fail on me after install.

 

[lukb]

+1

I've always used the gaskets supplied, plus a thin coat of RTV ultra blue silicone.

i always allow at least 3 hours to cure before i start the car, overnight if possible. never once have i had one leak or fail on me after install.

Captain awesome!
I think I can wait 3-4 hours

 

[lukb]

I used coppertone.
Wait and see what happens I guess!

 

[RvlutionMtrsprt]

Really? You used sunscreen on a water pump gasket?

 

[lukb]

Really? You used sunscreen on a water pump gasket?

I only wanted to weather proof it as well...
Keep it from sun damage if I have the hood open.. yunno!

 

[RvlutionMtrsprt]

Now that's some ghetto engineering

FWIW, I copper spray most of my gaskets and it works just fine.

 

[SrKegler]

Copper tone . Almost as bad as me. Told everyone I keep a spare fan belt in the car. (Alternator/waterpump belt).