timing belt replacement questions: part 2

[eskimo810]

Finally found some time to get back to working on the car. A couple questions:

1. I realized a needed some gasket sealant, in a bit of a rush, I found some permatex RTV labeled for use on the water pump and thermostat. I though that was exactly what I needed, but it seems like it's meant for use without the paper gasket at all. It just makes a gasket of itself. Anybody ever use this? Perhaps in conjunction with the paper gasket?

2. Any tips for getting the crankshaft pulley off? Is there prying involved?

Sorry for the noob questions, I don't really have anybody to ask in person, so you guys are my only source.

Thanks,
Quinn

[Cabriolet]

if you are trying to get the drive pulleys and not the timing belt one off. put the car in gear 3rd or 4th. get a deep socket 13mm and flex wrench out and they should just come out.

[TurboJake]

1. I realized a needed some gasket sealant, in a bit of a rush, I found some permatex RTV labeled for use on the water pump and thermostat. I though that was exactly what I needed, but it seems like it's meant for use without the paper gasket at all. It just makes a gasket of itself. Anybody ever use this? Perhaps in conjunction with the paper gasket?

You can use the RTV with, or without the paper gasket. You only need a thin film of it. Some have had bad experiences doing either method, so it's pretty much down to what you want to do. Some will say no, some will say yes. I personally used a thin film on both sides of the water pump gasket and it's holding up A-OK

However, the thermostat has a seal and no gasket, RTV won't work so well for that one.

2. Any tips for getting the crankshaft pulley off? Is there prying involved?

6 bolts around the the pulleys and they come off. No prying necessary, Maybe a light tap with a hammer or even the ratchet, but not much more than that.

When you get those 6 bolts, and everything else off, you'll see something like this.

[eskimo810]

Thanks for the info on the RTV jake.

I ended up being able to get that crankshaft pulley/sprocket assembly off. I'm just being cautious. This is my first time really working on a car, and I'm not too keen on breaking shit. Seems like it did require a bit of force.

[mr.vang]

when i did mine, i didn't use any rtv sealant. no leaks so far.

[eskimo810]

when i did mine, i didn't use any rtv sealant. no leaks so far.

I don't doubt it, but just from reading around I've heard too many stories of them leaking.