water pump gasket install

Discussion in 'Street/strip 400/430/455' started by fatboybuick, Apr 23, 2017.

  1. fatboybuick

    fatboybuick Well-Known Member

    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
     
  2. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    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
     
  3. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    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
     
  4. fatboybuick

    fatboybuick Well-Known Member

     
  5. fatboybuick

    fatboybuick Well-Known Member

    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
     
  6. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    No difference in AC or not just 67 to 70 and 71+ if we are talking about a big block
     
  7. LARRY70GS

    LARRY70GS a.k.a. "THE WIZARD" Staff Member

    There are short and long pumps. Match your original.
     
  8. CJay

    CJay Supercar owner Staff Member

    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?
     
  9. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Ive always put rtv on those two, push it down in the threads
     
  10. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    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.
     
  11. fatboybuick

    fatboybuick Well-Known Member

    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?
     
  12. Smartin

    Smartin antiqueautomotiveservice.com Staff Member

    Correct.
     
  13. Ken Warner

    Ken Warner Stand-up Philosopher

    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. :)
     
  14. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    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?
     
  15. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    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
     
  16. Schurkey

    Schurkey Silver Level contributor

    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.
     
    1973gs likes this.
  17. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Hundreds of thousands of classic cars are getting by just fine with RTV on gaskets, and threads
     
  18. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

    What's correct for mine??
     
  19. hugger

    hugger Well-Known Member

    Short if it's still running the correct pullies I'm sure it probably is
     
  20. Brett Slater

    Brett Slater Super Moderator Staff Member

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