david auster

iTrader: (10)

I just finished putting my new motor together. After I started it I noticed I was leaking coolant from the water pump gaskets where it meets the block. I installed the gaskets dry and used bolts with lock washers on them.

Do I need to use some RTV on the gaskets? Do you do both sides of the gasket or just one? Thats the part I am confused about. Also I have the black RTV is that good to use?

Now what about the bolts, do they need some pipe joint compound or something on them?

Thanks for the help

llvll4l2c91350

i always use RTV plus the gaskets and thread sealer on the bolts. never had a problem.

david auster

iTrader: (10)

Do you apply the RTV to both sides of the gasket? This is what I am confused about.

Thanks

IROCThe5.7L

When I did my waterpump, it leaked. Turned out when installing the new one, a gasket got bent a bit, causing a leak. I then used another dry gasket, and was very careful when putting it back on not to move/bend it. Has not leaked since

david auster

iTrader: (10)

I appreciate the reply, but I'm defenitly using RTV this time. I just need to know if it goes on both sides of the gasket?

Thanks

SSC

IROC's mishap is probably what happend to your water pump, happend to me once as well. You use RTV on one side of the gasket and spray glue on the other. Usually I dont use RTV but If the block is a little pitted it helps seal. So Spay glue the new gaskets to the water pump, it should be flat and not pitted, then spread some RTV on the gaskets that will meet the block, use Grey or Black RTV, no blue or orange as most of these are non hardening.

david auster

iTrader: (10)

Excellent...Thanks for the reply.

The water was coming past one of the bolts that holds it to the block. So not only did the gasket not hold upl, but the bolt hole was letting it through as well. Now I'm going to do like you said and RTV where it meets the block and stick on spray to the water pump. I'm also putting some Teflon pipe thread sealer onto the bolts. That should fix me right up.

Thanks again

Chris89GTA

iTrader: (2)

Every waterpump I have either replaced myself, or helped someone replace has been put back w/ RTV on at least one side of the gasket. If only one side, then its between the pump and the gasket...

JP84Z430HP

If you HAVE to use RTV to get a gasket to seal due to the surface not being in very good condition, it will leak eventually anyway.

I always clean the block really well, make sure it's smooth. I use permatex spray adhesive to hold the dry gaskets on the pump, apply liquid thread sealer to the bolts, no lock washers, tighten to spec. It is very important to have the bolts tightened evenly. While not necessary, it wouldn't hurt to throw a torque wrench at 'em. I've never had one leak that I've followed this on. Make sure the mating surfaces are clean!!!!

ede

shouldn't need sealer on machined surface. i usually put high tack on one side to hold gasket in place. did you use sealer on the bolts going to water?

grafx

use black or red RTV, a thin coat to both sides of the new gasket. Make sure you get a new gasket for it now, if you want to chance putting RTV on the gasket that was leaking make sure you clean it well and dry it before applying RTV to it. Also make sure all old sealant has been removed from block with a razor and clean it with some brake cleaner and wipe dry. If you want some added insurance try the grey silicon that's specificlly made for thermostat housings and water pumps, but this is not really necisarry. I always use red or black and have never had a problem with either one.

RB83L69

I prefer either Permatex 300 (brown gooey gunK) or the purple stuff that they make.

Definitely make sure the block is clean, run a tap through the bolt holes, and wire-brush the bolts.

One of the bolt holes, I believe it's the lower one on the driver's side, goes into coolant. Always put sealant on that one's threads.

I don't like RTV for that place; sooner or later it always leaks. Not alot, like spewing or running or anything, just seeping and causing rust and anti-freeze substance build-up. Every time, eventually, without fail, if the car stays together long enough. I can't stand that.

david auster

iTrader: (10)

Thanks for all the replies.

It was leaking from that exact bolt hole, lower one on the driver side. I had installed the gaskets dry and no thread sealer and thats where it was leaking from.

I got new gaskets now and I applied the black RTV to the side of the gasket where it meets the block. I also put thread sealer on all of the bolts this time. I am letting the RTV cure overnight before I try anything. I sure hope this works. At least it wasn't that big of a deal fixing that coolant leak.

grafx

My own prefered method is to clean the block spotless apply Gaskacinch to both sides of gasket, water pump and block...this stuff acts like contact cement and apply some permatex thread sealant to any bolt holes that run into a water passage after running a tap through them.

The method I listed above works very well but for my own car I am a perfectionist and have to have everything top notch so I use the method just mentioned. If you have any pitting on the mating surface of the block however you should use RTV as this will help to seal in the pores. Gaskacinch is ment to be used on smooth surfaces. Hope everything works out good for you....sounds like you souldn't have any problems with the method you used