I'm doing an opti/wp swap and was wondering what kind of RTV I should use on the water pump gaskets that connect the water pump to the block. I have some copper stuff, will that work? Otherwise, should I get the red, blue, black, etc?

Also, regarding the thread sealant on the wp bolts. Do you just put a small amount, or apply it generously on the threads?

 

Personally, I avoid silicone sealers unless it is absolutely necessary (like on the ends of the intake manifold, oil pan corners, etc.). Otherwise I have had great success with Permatex Hylomar HPF. It does a good job of sealing and is easy to clean off when you have to take stuff apart later. That's what I use on the water pump bolt threads too (a generous amount), and have never had a problem with them leaking.

 

I tried a LIGHT coating of indianhead gasket shellac on the gaskets last time, no leaks. I'll see soon how easily it comes off - should be soluable in alcohol like any shellac.

 

i didnt use anything but the gaskets on the water pump

 

The first time I did the water pump, I did use the copper stuff. When I upgraded to EWP, I didnt use anything but the gasket itself. If I had to do it again I wouldnt use any sealants b/c its just not necessary.

 

A thin smear of any RTV is ok on the gaskets. It will hold them in place and help when you have to remove them, too. Thread sealant is best on the threads, so no RTV or silicone gets in the cooling system. Just enough sealant to get in the threads is necessary. They don't need to be all gooped up.

 

Thanks alot guys. I'll just go without any sealant or a very small amount of rtv since it seems that its not needed.

 

The thin layer of RTV will make removing the gaskets much easier next time, they will just peel off.

 

I like a thin layer of permatex "right stuff" sets up quick and makes things easy to get off later

 

spray the copper stuff on there. I like it because it'll make the gasket come off in one piece when you go to remove it.

 

I used a very thin layer of Permatex Copper on the water pump gaskets.

 

x2 I did this when I installed new WP gaskets last time and when I had to remove it to fix a leaky timing cover seal, the gaskets came off in one piece and minimal scraping was needed.

When I spray it on I spray it directly onto the metal surface, and not onto the gasket. That way seemed to be better because it gives time for the spray to become "tacky" and it doesn't seem to saturate the gasket.

 

You know I have always done the WP and timing cover gaskets dry, they always sealed, and they turn to some military grade epoxy almost instantly and are a royal PITA to scrape next time. I think you guys have convinced me to try coating them with something.

 

Its so easy to get the stuff back off, my machinist told me to do it so you don't damage the block when trying to get the gaskets off. Scraping and using sanding wheels etc. does alot of damage to the surface.

Even when you use gasket remover that hard stuff is still tough to get off.

 

I bought some of the copper spray stuff. I'll cover up the coolant holes and spray some on the block and on the water pump before installation.
Thanks guys.