Water Pump Gasket Sealant?

[Dirtbleed]

July 4th Helliday weekend.
T/Belt, Waterpump, Camshaft seals are going to get done.

Are you guys using any sealant with the waterpump gasket?

[nando]

I smear a tiny amount of RTV on the gasket and stick it on there. as a bonus it helps hold the gasket in place while you bolt things down.

[Sagaris]

Yes, I did not use sealant, put it together, fired it up, and watched leaks come from both my car and my eyes. I used the gray Thermostat/Water pump stuff that you can find at any auto store. Dont go overboard, you dont want it squeezing into the block.

[xwill112x]

i dont even think the water pump on my m50 had a gasket...

[agent]

I smear a tiny amount of RTV on the gasket and stick it on there. as a bonus it helps hold the gasket in place while you bolt things down.

This.



Ninja edit:

This thread was invaluable to me:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=158446

[digital_cowboy]

I have done 4 e30 timing belts and have never used gasket sealant. Just make sure the mating surface is clean and you can use a stock gasket.

[Dirtbleed]

The Graf instructions said "when using a gasket no sealant is needed". I'm gonna use some 3 Bond.
Thnx
I'm in T/belt Hell.

[JGood]

I've done 10 or so water pumps, never used sealant, just the gasket. I clean the surfaces with a razor blade, then steel wool, then make sure it's perfectly clean. Never had one leak.

[Dirtbleed]

PS: I haven't figured out how to crack the camshaft sprocket bolt without turning the valvetrain? TIGHT! Need to change the seals in there. I'm gonna take the belt off as not to move the bottom end first. OR should I leave the belt on in case the valvetrain moves

[Elephant]

As was stated it's critical to have clean mating surfaces whether you use a sealant or not. That being said I always use Hylomar on gaskets like this. It's a spray on sticky mess but it's not such a big deal if you're careful. I use it as much to help locate and keep the gasket in place as I do for a sealant.

I hate RTV with a passion and would sooner cut off my big toe than use it. I just don't like the way it smells.

Anyway, you can get Hylomar at any autoparts store such as Autozone, O'Reilly, Pep Boys, etc. A can I think is like $5 and lasts a helluva long time.

As for removing that bolt.....put a ratchet on the crank pulley and make sure it can bottom on something....ground, chassis, etc. It'll come out.

Cheers.

[Elephant]

Ok, specifically, here is what I have on the shelf. I've had it in both blue and red but I think that's because I've had different brands.

http://www.permatex.com/products/Automotive/automotive_gasketing/gasket_sealants/auto_Permatex_High_Tack_Spray-A-Gasket_Sealant.htm

Cheers.

[Dirtbleed]

10-4 on the Hylomar, want something sticky to help locate the gasket.

Hold the Crankshaft Pulley against the ground while I undo the camshaft bolt?

[Dirtbleed]

Damn F'in worked. got the bolt cracked and didn't mess up the timing marks.
Thanks so much everyone.

[Dirtbleed]

Touching Cam!

[JGood]

Make sure you either torque that cam sprocket bolt bolt to spec, get a new bolt, and/or use loctite (whatever is recommended, I forget). Mine cam loose after I did the cam seal, and did some damage.