To seal, or not to seal...

[NoSpeedLimits]

Since the outdoor temp. is going to warm up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit this Sunday, I am going to tackle my water pump replacement project. Before I get my hands dirty, I wanted to get your opinion on weather or not to use sealant on the water pump gasket. TIA. (94' 540IA)

[winfred]

paper gasket, a little would be ok. a modern composite gasket with the rubbery trace in it id leave dry. and none on a rubber o-ring like a m50, i get a few of those loaded down with gorilla snot that are leaking

[Bill R.]

Since the outdoor temp. is going to warm up to 55 degrees Fahrenheit this Sunday, I am going to tackle my water pump replacement project. Before I get my hands dirty, I wanted to get your opinion on weather or not to use sealant on the water pump gasket. TIA. (94' 540IA)

[NoSpeedLimits]

1st off, thanks for your O. But, what is Hylomar? Never heard of that, is it a brand of sealant?

In my early days of engine repair, I use to put a heavy bead of sealant on both sides of the gasket. These days, I usually put a thin film of sealant on the part to be installed (usually just enough sealant to hold the gasket in place). I typically use a razor blade to help create the thin film. Then, I'll let the sealant dry -- wait about 20 minutes. And, I do not put any sealant on the other side of the gasket. How does my procedure sound?

Also, when you refer to dowels, are there round pins that fit tightly into a corresponding hole to align the water pump on the block?

[Bill R.]

Heres a link to permatex hylomar (http://www.permatex.com/heavy_duty/Transmissions.asp?automotive=yes&f_call=get_item&item_no=25249)
You can get hylomar at autozone,checker,pepboys etc.
Here's the location of the alignment dowelshttp://www.bimmernut.com/%7Ebillr/images/dowel-1.jpg





1st off, thanks for your O. But, what is Hylomar? Never heard of that, is it a brand of sealant?

I my early days of engine repair, I use to put a heavy bead of sealant on both sides of the gasket. These days, I usually put a thin film of sealant on the part to be installed (usually just enough sealant to hold the gasket in place). I typically use a razor blade to help create the thin film. Then, I'll let the sealant dry -- wait about 20 minutes. And, I do not put any sealant on the other side of the gasket. How does my procedure sound?

Also, when you refer to dowels, are there round pins that fit tightly into a corresponding hole to align the water pump on the block?

[mike wong]

Bill,
what is the difference between using Hylonar and some Permatex gasket stuff - can't remember specific names, but I use P-tex high temp blue stuff and also some black stuff. is it the amount of silicones or the non-hardening aspect?

mike wong

[NoSpeedLimits]

Oh..it's a type of Permatex. Next to duct tape, it's the best all purpose repair tool in my garage. :) For as much as I have purchased over the years, they should be a sponsor of mine. LOL. As you can tell I am currently not familiar with Hylomar, but I will be soon. Thanks Bill.

[Bill R.]

old nasty non hardening brown no1 and no2 permatex but this is blue and not as bad to work with. Its non hardening and will shift around to seal plus its easily removable in the future.. If you look through the factory service manual you'll find it mentioned .. Here's a link to hylomar (http://www.cataisrl.com/pagineing/hilomar.html)
Permatex i think is the US licensee for it..





Bill,
what is the difference between using Hylonar and some Permatex gasket stuff - can't remember specific names, but I use P-tex high temp blue stuff and also some black stuff. is it the amount of silicones or the non-hardening aspect?

mike wong