Hi, I had to replace my water pump on my 1967 442, the bearing was starting to seize. When I removed the old pump, I see the last time it was changed a gasket wasn't used. Is this correct? Thank you in advance.

 

A gasket was used by the factory. I still use one, with a thin film of ultra black rtv on each side.

 

Great, thank you for your reply.

 

NY,
I dont like using rtv on those types of gaskets. It is very slippery and I have seen the gaskets slide out of position when tightened. The factory did not use anything but when the surfaces are old I prefer to use Permatex Aviation Form A gasket or a similar brown type gasket cement.

Also, pay very close attention to the new pump and gasket and compare them to the old pump. Some of the pumps are not made properly as far as the casting where the impeller is.

 

I concur with Bill on this. I usually use a little gasket cement to hold the gasket to the pump and bolt it on. I use RTV around the two water ports on the front cover if the cover is heavily pitted, otherwise not so much.

 

Thank you for responding. I'm going to be using an original Olds water pump. I found it odd that there was no gasket when I removed the existing pump.

 

I use spray adhesive on the pump side of the gasket, then a very thin skim of black or gray RTV. Never had a gasket walk with the spray glue.
Spray one side of the gasket and affix it to the pump. Apply the RTV. Let the RTV "skin". Slap it together. Let all this cure before adding coolant (preferred).

Be careful with the smaller fasteners; they are easily stripped out.
Clean all of the bolt holes & fastener threads before reassembly.

Never use tap water to cut coolant.
Monitor the cooling systems' PH annually with the dip strips.

 

Gentleman, I replaced the water pump, but I have a TINY leak from the bottom bolt of the pump. Is there anything I can do to fix this without repeating the process? Thanks in advance.