Paper gasket for Waterpump / Sealer - question?

[sundarpn]

2002 camry, 4 cyl, 120K
Planning to replace water pump as preventive maintenance.

Got the gates pump. It came with a paper gasket. Should I use it or NO?

Also Can I use "Permatex Ultra Grey Rigid High-Torque RTV Silicone Gasket Maker" as the sealant?. OR should I go get the Toyota black FIPG sealant from the dealer...

Thx

[zppeacock]

Fipg!

[deadrx7conv]

RTV will work just fine, so will the paper gasket if torqued in place properly.

I've never had a Permatex product fail when used as directed and cured properly. "The Right Stuff" is my preferred self-squeezing sealant.
http://www.permatex.com/images/produ...f.Brochure.pdf

[speedkar9]

I got the Gates pump for my ES330 and it came with that paper gasket. What a joke!

I spent the extra $14 and bought a dealer metal/rubber gasket to give me piece of mind (since my WP is behind the timing belt on V6). The Aisin pumps come with the OEM style gasket. Its worth it.

[somick]

I used black silicone RTV gasket maker without any paper gasket 20,000 miles ago. So far so good.

Sam

[sundarpn]

Originally Posted by zppeacock

Fipg!

Looks like I have to buy this FIPG. (The regular toyota FIPG is only for oil pan etc not coolant)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-FIPG-...item337ebfaa75

[JohnGD]

You should use a coolant-safe RTV, like the $5-6 Permatex Water Pump and Thermostat RTV:
http://www.permatex.com/products/pro...-gasket-detail

Yeah, many aftermarket pumps come with the joker gasket to save money. Looks too cheap but works just fine. But even with the metal-rubber OEM gasket I still use the Permatex RTV, as mentioned, because it's behind the timing cover.

Make sure the surfaces are clean and dry so the RTV can stick. And allow to cure if time permits. Permatex RTV works very well and all you need is about a business card's thickness. You can leave out the paper gasket, but I'd use it with RTV on both sides (apply to pump, stick gasket to it, then apply RTV to gasket and mount pump, torque to spec).

[JohnGD]

How's the Gates pump working out, just curious. NAPA switched over to them after Gates started making them. I don't spec Aisin pumps but had been using NAPA and later Bosch. I'm thinking of trying Gates.

Originally Posted by speedkar9

I got the Gates pump for my ES330 and it came with that paper gasket. What a joke!

I spent the extra $14 and bought a dealer metal/rubber gasket to give me piece of mind (since my WP is behind the timing belt on V6). The Aisin pumps come with the OEM style gasket. Its worth it.

[sundarpn]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

You should use a coolant-safe RTV, like the $5-6 Permatex Water Pump and Thermostat RTV:
http://www.permatex.com/products/pro...-gasket-detail

thanks. I got the OEM toyota coolant FIPG itself. It was $16 but I guess someone here might be interested on the remaining

If the factory didn't have a paper gasket, then I won't use that paper gasket. (mine is a 4 cylinder camry)

[JohnGD]

Make sure the surfaces and clean and dry, and allow it some extra time to fully cure if you have the time. RTV will work very well.

[BustedToy]

I use High Tack on all my paper gaskets.
http://www.cheapcycleparts.com/produ...FcaDQgodEDAA4w
the torque them down to spec. If possible I let them set over night, then fill up with fluids and go.

[sundarpn]

JohnGD,
Sorry, I realized I didn't reply. Although I bought the gates pump, I haven't change yet.... those bolts on the water pump pulley are scaring me away.

My original pump (@125K miles, 02camry 4 cyl) isn't leaking and turns freely... so I am still on the fence about changing it... Should I? (I have been using Toyota red coolant)

The only thing suspect is: With the belt off, when I grab the pulley by 3 & 9 'O clock positions & try to shake it, I can feel a very slight play on it...

[Donald E. George]

Originally Posted by sundarpn

JohnGD,
Sorry, I realized I didn't reply. Although I bought the gates pump, I haven't change yet.... those bolts on the water pump pulley are scaring me away.

My original pump (@125K miles, 02camry 4 cyl) isn't leaking and turns freely... so I am still on the fence about changing it... Should I? (I have been using Toyota red coolant)

The only thing suspect is: With the belt off, when I grab the pulley by 3 & 9 'O clock positions & try to shake it, I can feel a very slight play on it...

Let those bolts snap off if that is what it takes to get them out. You can always find metric cap screws at hardware stores, and since you are replacing the pump,who cares if part of the bolts are left in the old pump. Go for it? You might have some end play in the OEM pump. If it is not leaking,the mechanical seal is functioning as designed. I would expect that you will see some weeping before the pump goes south on you. Regards

[sundarpn]

Thanks. So what you are saying is a water pump will not fail all of sudden?
- Either it will first leak/weep or it will start making some noise?
- besides this is an external pump (and not internal driven by a timing belt)

I have some road trips coming..., but again I don't want to get too pro-active . I'll just change for coolant now (Toy Red + distilled water)...