Water Pump Gasket & Sealer

[mxp01]

I removed my old water pump (1275) and I had a spare, but no gasket. I salvaged the old gasket. Can I reuse the gasket? If I make a new gasket, can someone recommend the type of paper? Finally, can someone recommend the type of gasket sealer to use?

Mike Pennell
Nassau, the Bahamas

 

[nomad]

If th old gasket is'nt torn you can probably reuse. I use Permatex Aviation form a gasket.

 

[Spridget64SC]

Have reused old gaskets many times. I like a very thin coat of silicone RTV on both sides. Also, I make water outlet and heater plate gaskets from thin pasteboard. The Payen gasket wrappers/boxes make good donors. Can get lots of gaskets from one box. I use a ink pen to outline the gasket to be cut and then use 1/4" sockets and a hammer to punch the bolt holes and a starter hole for the center. There is an anvil surface on my vise that works as a pad to strike against. The sockets cut through the pasteboard with the hammer strikes.

HTH,
Mike Miller

 

[Sarastro]

If you decide to make a new gasket, the material isn't critical. I keep some 0.01" thick paper gasket stock around for things like this. Probably should use sealer, in any case.

 

[jlaird]

Ace hardware sells gasket material in two sizes for cheep. Get one of each.

 

[Gerard]

You can use thin cork or use an appropriate thickness depending on how smooth the mating surfaces are. Personally, I prefer to use Hylomar to what's been mentioned. I've never had it leak, it can be used more sparingly. When it comes time to take things apart (especially the thermostat housing), it's not such a nightmare. I also like to put a thin coat of anti-seize on the studs, especially on the aluminum housings.

I make a lot of different gaskets and find this kit is pretty useful to have around. I also make some custom punches. For larger hole I use the old school mechanic's trick of gently tapping around the sharp edge an opening.

https://www.amazon.com/Heavy-Duty-12-Piec...4333&sr=8-4

 

[jlaird]

I lay new gaskets on my copy machine and print one for future use as a pattern if I need one not in stock in a hurry. Does not apply to head and manifold gaskets of course.

 

[Rut]

Jack,
What a great idea! Have you printed directly on the gasket materiel before?
Rut

 

[jlaird]

With my printer that would not work. YOu would need a flat bed printer. Expensive stuff. I just make a pattern of everything and wife cuts em out.

 

[Rut]

Jack,
Lucky me, I've got a flat bed printer that will handle oversize paper, not real thick, but large.
Thanks, Rut

 

[jlaird]

Son of a gun. Some folks get lucky.