Anyone understand gasket sealants and truck water pump gasket?

[Qapla]

What I have used with great success since it helps seal the gasket and does not cause any ill effects to any other parts is VASELINE .....

Yep, that's right, plain old vaseline. It coats the paper gasket just fine and will not clog or interfere with anything else ... even if you get a bit much on there. It will help hold it in place while you mount it. One nice thing is that if you have to pull it back off, it wont dry in the air or cause damage to the gasket. It is also easy to clean up afterward.

Also, once you get the water pump on and crank up the engine ... after the first time the engine gets fully hot, it will be totally sealed and will not leak. However, if you ever need to replace that same water pump again, the gasket will scrape right off with ease and leave a nice clean surface for another gasket.

 

[JohnP3616]

My dad was a mechanic and I grew up at his elbow. Anything dealing with water he used a thin coat of Permatex, both sides. I do, too. Never had any problems with it.

John