Water pump keeps leaking please help!!

[onion]

I agree with Scott Tucker to a point. I wouldn't say you should 'never' use RTV on a cooling system gasket, as I've done it more times that I could count.

But I WILL agree that it isn't ideal. Silicon RTV is quite slippery before curing, and I've seen it cause gaskets to distort and slip out plenty of times. And it doesn't hold up that well to antifreeze- it's often soft and coming apart when I remove old cooling system components that were installed with RTV. Personally I prefer something like Permatex high-tack, permatex #2, or even anaerobic sealant in such applications. RTV can work ok- but you DO have to be more careful about overtorquing.

But one thing to consider is that silicon RTV is the go-to gasket-goop for all inexperienced techs... simply because it's the most common. So when I see shoddy work (often of the shade-tree variety), it's often slathered with a generous coating of RTV. Doesn't necessarily mean that RTV is a 'bad' sealant- but it IS the sealant preferred by 'bad' mechanics.

 

[doitmyself]

Thank you, you "real" pros for sharing what should really be done. We diy'ers are often full of B..S. and need some guidance!

I do know that Permatex markets a RTV "designed" for water pumnps and therm. housings. Any truth to this stuff:

http://www.permatex.com/documents/tds/automotive/22071.pdf

 

[Jimmy9190]

I have used the water pump/thermostat housing specific Permatex on a water pump and a thermostat too. Neither one had any leaks at all. It is supposed to set up quickly so you can put the vehicle back into service sooner.

 

[OVERKILL]

I don't find ANY of the Permatex RTV's work as well as the Ford Grey sealant or the International Grey sealant. Both are NOT slippery AT ALL like an RTV, and have a hold that rivals epoxy.

Ford Windsor intake gaskets require a thin skin of gasket sealant around the coolant ports between the head and intake. The Ford grey is hardcore enough that I've had to use a block of wood and a mini-sledge to get the intake off. I've never had it leak.

I use a thin smear of it on water pump and timing cover gaskets, as well as the Windsor intake end-seals.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL


Ford Windsor intake gaskets require a thin skin of gasket sealant around the coolant ports between the head and intake. The Ford grey is hardcore enough that I've had to use a block of wood and a mini-sledge to get the intake off. I've never had it leak.


That is one area I will use RTV. Especially if it is an older engine with pitting around the water jackets. But there is a wider sealing surface so it is not as difficult to seal. I don't like any of the colored RTV. Permatex black works well and is sold everywhere. The best RTV I have used is Toyota Black. It's expensive but lasts years.

 

[doitmyself]

Chrysler also has a gray RTV that many swear is the only one that will guarantee a non leaking transmission pan cover the first time....Gray is in vogue.

Scott, your reference to Permatex Black was seconded by a Permatex tech. I spoke to when looking for the "best" rtv on a non automotive application I was engineering. He was referring to ultra black and I was wanting best adhesion, oil resistance, non acid/corrosion, good heat tolerance, strength, etc. type.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Looking on the Permatex site it looks like there is not much difference between the different colors except marketing lingo. I know the red stuff is supposed to be 'high temp' but there is nothing under the hood of a car that requires it. You don't put rtv on an exhaust system so I am not sure why you would ever need that 650 degree temperature rating. I see they offer a 'water pump and thermostat rtv" I would still not use it but if you are going to use rtv that is the right one to use. However, most people that are going to use rtv (from my experience) are going to use either red or blue.

 

[exranger06]

It's fixed! The Right Stuff works awesome and is an absolute pleasure to use. Expensive, but worth it. I will be keeping a close eye on it for the next week, but I am really confident it's fixed for good this time.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
Looking on the Permatex site it looks like there is not much difference between the different colors except marketing lingo. I know the red stuff is supposed to be 'high temp' but there is nothing under the hood of a car that requires it. You don't put rtv on an exhaust system so I am not sure why you would ever need that 650 degree temperature rating. I see they offer a 'water pump and thermostat rtv" I would still not use it but if you are going to use rtv that is the right one to use. However, most people that are going to use rtv (from my experience) are going to use either red or blue.


Surprisingly enough, many hot rodders use the red stuff to seal header flanges.

 

[Scott_Tucker]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
Looking on the Permatex site it looks like there is not much difference between the different colors except marketing lingo. I know the red stuff is supposed to be 'high temp' but there is nothing under the hood of a car that requires it. You don't put rtv on an exhaust system so I am not sure why you would ever need that 650 degree temperature rating. I see they offer a 'water pump and thermostat rtv" I would still not use it but if you are going to use rtv that is the right one to use. However, most people that are going to use rtv (from my experience) are going to use either red or blue.


I know, I've seen the results many times, lol.

Surprisingly enough, many hot rodders use the red stuff to seal header flanges.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: Scott_Tucker
Looking on the Permatex site it looks like there is not much difference between the different colors except marketing lingo. I know the red stuff is supposed to be 'high temp' but there is nothing under the hood of a car that requires it. You don't put rtv on an exhaust system so I am not sure why you would ever need that 650 degree temperature rating. I see they offer a 'water pump and thermostat rtv" I would still not use it but if you are going to use rtv that is the right one to use. However, most people that are going to use rtv (from my experience) are going to use either red or blue.


I know, I've seen the results many times, lol.

Surprisingly enough, many hot rodders use the red stuff to seal header flanges.


HAHAHAHAHAH

 

[QuadDriver]

Its not like they invented rtv yesterday....

blue - water stuff. thats why it is BLUE

black - around oily stuff, thats why it is BLACK

Orange (o2 sensor safe) - around intake stuff

you may put whatever dye into rtv silicone you desire (milky clear is its natural state) but the different colors are there to signify slight changes in chemistry for the expected solvent(s)

a water pump, should not have a bead like you would do for intake mainfold ends on a v8 but rather a skim coat.

I warrant my repairs against leaks - for life. I have a drawer full of rtv, permy #2, indian head, copper coat etc. each chemical for a specific use.

 

[mechtech2]

RTV AND the gasket is what I probably would have used.
AFTER cleaning the mating surfaces dinner plate clean!
And allowing enough set up time before filling the system and running it.

Any chance the leak is from another spot and dripping down to where you see it?