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AR15.COM
9/14/2008 11:59:15 AM EDT
Re-installing a waterpump on a 302...

Should I use RTV or not???

Doesn't look like any RTV was originally used?

9/14/2008 12:00:35 PM EDT
[#1]
No, install the gasket dry, or with a dab or two of weatherstrip adhesive to keep it still while installing the pump.
9/14/2008 12:03:29 PM EDT
[#2]
I put on just enough (uniformily) RTV to hold the gasket in place.
9/14/2008 12:06:01 PM EDT
[#3]
I use Permatex super "300" gasket sealant on water pump gaskets, it's not RTV/silicone based, more of a liquid adhesive that keeps the gasket in place and bonds it to both metal surfaces right away. Long as you get all of the old gasket gone off the block, it works really well.
9/14/2008 12:40:24 PM EDT
[#4]
As an ASE certified Master tech w/over twenty years of experience I frown upon the use of any rtv type silicon sealants for anything except rear differential covers and intake end seals (I use "RIGHT STUFF" for those) for all other paper gaskets I use aviation permatex sealant It is a brown colored brush on sealant. when I first started wrenching my employer (an old nascar pit crew chief from the 50's introduced me to the stuff) I used it on a water pump on a 1970 ranchero w/a 302 in 1989. It returned in 1996 with a leaking water pump and an additional 70k miles the gasket was still sealing and the sealant was still sticky and the gasket peeled off both the water pump and block (no scraping just a little solvent and a rag to clean the block). Best thing for the job IMHO
9/14/2008 12:47:27 PM EDT
[#5]
If the timing cover is corroded or pitted, you may want to use a little RTV in those areas to prevent seepage.
9/14/2008 12:51:01 PM EDT
[#6]

Quoted:
If the timing cover is corroded or pitted, you may want to use a little RTV in those areas to prevent seepage.


Or also if some goober scarred the aluminum scraping a gasket off in the past.
9/14/2008 2:09:33 PM EDT
[#7]

Quoted:
As an ASE certified Master tech w/over twenty years of experience I frown upon the use of any rtv type silicon sealants for anything except rear differential covers and intake end seals (I use "RIGHT STUFF" for those) for all other paper gaskets I use aviation permatex sealant It is a brown colored brush on sealant. when I first started wrenching my employer (an old nascar pit crew chief from the 50's introduced me to the stuff) I used it on a water pump on a 1970 ranchero w/a 302 in 1989. It returned in 1996 with a leaking water pump and an additional 70k miles the gasket was still sealing and the sealant was still sticky and the gasket peeled off both the water pump and block (no scraping just a little solvent and a rag to clean the block). Best thing for the job IMHO


Yup!  I've been using that stuff for 40+ years.
9/14/2008 2:23:51 PM EDT
[#8]
Don't use RTV! You can get a spray can of gasket adhesive at AutoZone to use on the gaskets.

If you use a gasket, don't use RTV
If you use RTV, don't use a gasket
9/14/2008 2:26:10 PM EDT
[#9]
I like a product called Gaskacinch for these gaskets.  It brushes on easily.  Put it on only one side of the gasket, the waterpump side, attach the gasket and let sit for about 5-10 minutes, then assemble.  If you can't find Gaskacinch then Permatex also offers a brush on, tacky type sealer that will suffice.
9/14/2008 2:41:24 PM EDT
[#10]
If the gasket itself is of the proper material so it won't wick-out later, and the machined surfaces are clean and smooth, a bit of honey will work as well as anything else just to keep everything positioned while you line up the pump housing with the bolt holes.
9/14/2008 2:59:40 PM EDT
[#11]
If the factory wanted sealant used there, they would have out it there.
9/14/2008 3:03:31 PM EDT
[#12]
Well...

Used Duro spray on adhesive to hold the gasket in place...

Assembled everything with no RTV...no leaks the first time around
9/14/2008 3:45:02 PM EDT
[#13]
When I worked in a garage I allways used yellow silicone on one side of the gasket on the pump,and blue on the other!

If anybody ever came back for what ever reason I could tell instantly if it was my work or not!

I learned this from Bud Becker.

Bob