[Cloud9...68]

I've removed my old water pump, and it doesn't look like there was any sealant against the gasket. Is it recommended to used sealant with these pumps, or just go with the gasket alone? Every other water pump I've ever replaced or other cars, I've always used sealant, so I'd like to hear the consensus on the 968. Thanks.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[josephsc]

I've never used sealants on 944/968 water pumps -- just gaskets. And I've only overheated one engine (and I didn't do that water pump job...)

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[unknown4u]

if the surface is flat, from pump and engine, there is no need to use an extra sealant. The gasket wil do the job properly.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[968rz]

I agree with everyone else (no sealer); if needed you could use a little weather strip adhesive to hold the gasket while installing but that's it

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

I always use a touch( a very light nearly 'see through' smear on both cleaned surfaces..not allowing excess into engine) of permatex orange silicone sealant in conjunction with the gasket to fill in little nooks and crannies in aluminum...never had a leak in numerous rebuilds of various engines..



BUT: some sealants and sealant additives are corrosive to aluminum.......



Also: any time I re-insert a bolt into aluminum, the holes and threads are cleaned and blown dry and I use a small dab of aluminum neversieze in the hole....

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[968rz]

Using silicone on gaskets is bad, silicone cures with a chemical process that can weaken the gasket and cause early failure.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

Have not performed a blind study, but the room temp vulcanization (RTV) process silicone of the 'claimed' non-corrosive Permatex brand has worked well for me...(Probably on ~200 engine gaskets-excluding head)



Pressed paper and synthetic gaskets generally seem to remain flexible and come off more easily



additionally, RTV silicone has a hydrophobic as well as glycol resistant bond which can aid in H20 pump leak suppression.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Thanks for the responses. It sounds like the consensus is to forego the sealant.



And thanks, xrad, about the tip for the aluminum never-seize. Is this a commercially available product? Where do you buy it?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

little jug with brush...



find aluminum never-seize at NAPA or similar.



http://www.acehardwareoutlet.com/(oezwd1aw...spx?SKU=8058257

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[SILVY968]

xrad's recommendation is a good one. I use the same on all bolts into aluminum, plugs as well. A little goes a long way and it gets all over your hands and tools. The LOCTITE sticks are way less of a mess. I also have anti seize "silver stick" as well as sticks of red and blue loctite.

Here is the product line:

        [attachment=5398:attachm

ent]

Brian

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Thanks, Brian. I didn't know Loctite comes in sticks. I'll look for it next time I need to buy some (already bought the 270 liquid).

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Well, I put the Permatex 80078 on my water pump bolts, then when I checked the manual for the torque specs, I noticed the manual recommends using Loctite 270 on the water pump bolts, which is a very high strength, "permanent" material. This seems like a strange recommendation on such small bolts, especially with a gasket in the picture. I went ahead and torqued them down with the Permatex, but before I put the belts back, what do you guys think about this? My inclination is to leave it like it is, since the anti-seize lubricant seems like a more logical material to use on this type of application than a high-strength Loctite. Thanks.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

I have never been a fan of using loctite on aluminum threads......

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Yeah, struct me as not the best idea, too.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

from my latest engine build (Alfa- I know it's not 968, but application similar...):

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Cloud9...68]

Yep, that's the stuff. Nice shiny new bolt...

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[unknown4u]

Or using copperpaste to keep the bolts going in aluminium. Not a good idea too.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[xrad]

agree w/unknown4u...aluminum for aluminum

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.