2 timing belt jobs in 1 weekend, or Use RTV sealant on the water pump gasket

[LateFan]

Coolant system RTV - just a shmear.

Block side, WP side, or both sides of gasket? (noob question - about to do a WP)
Thanks -

[Cletonius]

I've never had a plain paper gasket leak if the surfaces are cleaned appropriately. No sealant is required.

[coldweatherblue]

also have never had a problem with WP gasket leaking. I always use a new gasket and clean the surfaces like any gasket and haven't had a leak (knock on wood).

[downforce22]

i didnt take out the radiator and the gasket wasn't lined up when I put the water pump on so it ripped. I needed the car the next day so I used rtv to seal the gasket to the pump and then torqued it and it has worked great. The block is still clean and the gasket has a good seal with no leaks.

[jeffnhiscars]

IMHO the only time RTV has a use on an e30 is for a short term temporary emergency repairs. I use Permatex #2 (non hardening) for anything water jacket related and have not had a leak in decades...but thats just me :-)

[Kozworth]

I used copper gasket spray to hold the gasket to the wpump, and never had any leaks. When i used rtv, it made a mess and leaked.

[cabriodster87]

A little on the WP side will do, just to hold the gasket in place.