Which gasket is adequate? (Paper, O-ring)

[RandyBalone]

Hey guys

Having my water pump replaced this Thursday by a mechanic

My issue is that the OEM water pump I picked up from Toyota.. does not call for a gasket. It calls for a FIPG.

I’m nervous that there will be user error, and would prefer to use a ready made gasket.

Car is 2003 Camry 4 cylinder, below are my options.

 

[RandyBalone]

These are after market gaskets I sourced.

My questions are:

Is this rubber gasket too thin? I tried to show as best as possible in the photos.. but it doesn’t stick much out from the metal when in the channel. It’s not flush to the metal but only little sticks out a little bit.

Should any product be applied to the rubber gasket? Or paper gasket if suggested.

Lastly, will the “channel” on the pump effect the paper gaskets “seal” to the pump.. if I choose to go that route.

Thanks guys

 

[lbhsbz]

Use FIPG....it works fine.

 

[RandyBalone]

Use FIPG....it works fine.

I hear ya.. I just don’t trust my mechanic to it.

Think the o-ring would work just fine?

 

[Trav]

I would the rubber seal, most of the vehicles I work today on use this style OE. Never any problems, I never use FIPG unless there is no other option, it sucks.

 

[RandyBalone]

I would the rubber seal, most of the vehicles I work today on use this style OE. Never any problems, I never use FIPG unless there is no other option, it sucks.

does it look too skinny? I’m afraid it’s almost too flush with the pump.. if that makes sense?

It’s not flush, just a little bit from flush tho

 

[lbhsbz]

I hear ya.. I just don’t trust my mechanic to it.

Think the o-ring would work just fine?

Then you shouldn't trust him to do anything else. Find another mechanic

 

[IndyIan]

I hear ya.. I just don’t trust my mechanic to it.

Think the o-ring would work just fine?

I would use the O-ring as long as the 2 mating surfaces are flat, and no seams. It seems crazy they would recommend a FIPG when they have an O-ring groove?

 

[GMBoy]

The o-ring doesn't stick out a lot but when tightened down it does expand and fill the void just fine.

 

[oldcodger]

I am sorry and I am old. FIPG?

 

[Dr Oldz]

I am sorry and I am old. FIPG?

Form in place gasket

 

[The_Jeff]

Go with the o-ring and clean surfaces. Any RTV would add thickness which might be uneven and probably will interfere with the o-ring working correctly.

 

[lbhsbz]

I would use the O-ring as long as the 2 mating surfaces are flat, and no seams. It seems crazy they would recommend a FIPG when they have an O-ring groove?

It's not designed as an o-ring groove, it's designed as sort of reservoir to catch excess FIPG when the mating surfaces are pulled together such that the excess doesn't end up in the coolant cavity

 

[TomYoung]

The o-ring doesn't stick out a lot but when tightened down it does expand and fill the void just fine.

I don’t think it expands at all. It deforms under pressure and hopefully fills the void. I would absolutely go with the sealant suggested by the mfr.

 

[burbguy82]

Form in place gasket

fancy for RTV or similar sealant

 

[Trav]

does it look too skinny? I’m afraid it’s almost too flush with the pump.. if that makes sense?

It’s not flush, just a little bit from flush tho

No, it does not look too skinny, most of this type just compress enough to seal. You can put a thin coat of High Tack sealer on the pump ring channel just to prevent it moving out of place during install.

 

[burbguy82]

I think in this case, if you cant trust the mechanic, you need to find another one, or do it yourself

 

[RooflessVW]

does it look too skinny? I’m afraid it’s almost too flush with the pump.. if that makes sense?

It’s not flush, just a little bit from flush tho

If the oring is too large it will extrude out of its seat.

The oring looks like it fits properly. I would add nothing beyond some #1 to hold it in place, if necessary.

 

[GMBoy]

I don’t think it expands at all. It deforms under pressure and hopefully fills the void. I would absolutely go with the sealant suggested by the mfr.

That is what I meant just you said it better but I wouldn't use sealant. The o-ring is fine and most every new car the o-ring is all that seals.

 

[TomYoung]

That is what I meant just you said it better but I wouldn't use sealant. The o-ring is fine and most every new car the o-ring is all that seals.

I sort of agree, but what I am thinking I am hearing is that Toyota wants the mechanic to use the sealant, not the O-ring in this case. The OP is thinking that the mechanic cannot be trusted to do a meticulous job and therefore would prefer an O-ring or a gasket. And I get that. I have used Hondabond enough times to know that it can make a mess, and using the right amount can be a challenge... but that would not mean I am going to go without. In my case, when I am out of my depth, the cars go to a specialist Japanese/Asian car shop, and I trust the job will be completed in workmanlike fashion. The point is that I am not going to McGuyver a solution because of nervousness about a mechanic... especially in a Toyota workhorse where you might not be back in the engine for another 100K.