Water Pump Gaskets Install
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 973
Likes: 0
From: Chico California
Water Pump Gaskets Install
I'm installing a new WP.
What is the best way to install the gaskets?
It's a tight fit to position the WP and becomes more difficult trying to handle the gaskets too.
I've always had good luck using K&W Copper Coat Gasket Compound so will be using it on the gaskets.
Any advice appreicated.
What is the best way to install the gaskets?
It's a tight fit to position the WP and becomes more difficult trying to handle the gaskets too.
I've always had good luck using K&W Copper Coat Gasket Compound so will be using it on the gaskets.
Any advice appreicated.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,491
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
There are many ways to do it, none of which are easy or perfect. What i did was to install the pump with one bolt on each side and leave it about 3/8" out from the engine, then I took the gaskets and put sealant on both sides and then took the bolt out, one at a time, and slid the gasket in. Then I took the remaining bolts, dipped the ends in sealant and put them in, pulled out the initial bolts, dipped the ends of them in sealant and installed them, tightened everything up, re tightened the next day and so far, no leaks!! For sealant, I used some stuff called Tite-Seal I have used the stuff for over 20 years, it is a good sealant and I have been able to disassemble things without any issues. There are many good sealants to use and some people advocate using gaskets dry, so use your own preference there.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,651
Likes: 10
From: Apple Valley MN
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 15,344
Likes: 4,008
From: Texas
The gaskets should be installed *dry*. There is no reason to use sealer on them. With clean surfaces and bolts torqued correctly, they won't leak. You should use some sealant (GM uses teflon in a tube) on the bolt threads since they penetrate water passages.
If you use GM gaskets, you'll notice that the holes where the upper and lower bolts pass thru are in fact triangle-shaped. The threads on the bolts will grab the gasket and hold it in place while you start the bolts into the block. With the two bolts on each side started into the block, the water pump can be set in place on the two pins that are in the block. Once the pump is on the pins (not to mention the upper and lower bolts are started), the 3rd bolt on each side will align without issue.
If you use GM gaskets, you'll notice that the holes where the upper and lower bolts pass thru are in fact triangle-shaped. The threads on the bolts will grab the gasket and hold it in place while you start the bolts into the block. With the two bolts on each side started into the block, the water pump can be set in place on the two pins that are in the block. Once the pump is on the pins (not to mention the upper and lower bolts are started), the 3rd bolt on each side will align without issue.
