Ok this my be a noob question, but when installing a water gasket, or any gasket for that matter, when placing the rtv on the gasket does it go on both sides or one? this is the 3rd time installing this gasket and I wanna make sure I get it right this time. previously it was placed on both sides, but I keep getting a small leak at the bottom of the pump, which I think contributes to my overheating issues. what do you guy think about the gasket maker rtv? car is a 72 electra with 455, fan shroud, new radiator, new heater core all in place . thx much
Is the pump mew or are you just replacing the gasket on an old pump? Are you sure the gasket is leaking? Is it possible the pump is leaking thru the weep hole? There is a small hole on the pump. If the pump is bad, it will start to drip antifreeze out of that hole. And it will look like the gasket is leaking but its not
There will be a "trail" of discoloration running from the weep hole, but if the timing cover and water pump surfaces arent pitted up too bad yes black rtv on both sides just smear a thin coat on water pump put gasket on and then the same on the gasket or the timing cover. Jack car up a little in the front so the water doesn't run out that will mess the seal up also
yes it's a new pump, I didn't notice any pitting. also I was checking again at the store for the water pump its self, they have two different ones depending on if the car has a/c or not. mine is a non-a/c car, in the event that I received the pump intended for the a/c would that be an issue? they look exactly the same to me unless it's internal
Just to refresh my memory, how many of the 4 long water pump bolts go into open holes? Just the two on the driver's side? On those bolts, do you guys put anything on them? I just load them up with anti sieze and screw them in. Im wondering if I should put pipe thread compound on them instead?
I put thread sealant on the long bolts. I think I remember having a weeping bolt when I had just bolted it together the first time.
Oh wow I never knew anything with the long bolts. so I should put rtv on the long bolts only, only to the threads? all of the shorter bolts don't require this?
White PTFE paste on threads going into water and I usually smear a little bit on the shoulders as well to help with any corrosion, not that I'll be leaving the engine together long enough for the bolts to corrode.
I just noticed a very small puddle of coolant yesterday when I grabbed the car after it sat for a few days and my sense tells me this may be next to be replaced. Any suggestions as to what/where to buy?
My local parts stores can't get the short pump anymore, had to get thru rockauto, and they showed limited quantity I picked up 4
Bolt thread sealing is NOT a suitable application for RTV. Consider a thread sealing product like Loctite 592. Available at many parts stores or via Amazon. Designed to seal threads. Slow-setting, you can reposition the fitting (or bolt) for 12--24 hours after initial assembly. Similarly, RTV should not be used to "seal" a gasket. Use RTV instead of a gasket, not applied to a gasket. There are MUCH better gasket dressings, such as Gasgacinch, High Tack, Copper Coat, Indian Head, Permatex #1, 2, or 3, and dozens more.