I'm replacing the water pump and in the manual it doesn't mention using permatex or any sealant on the gaskets for the mating surfaces of the waterpump-to-housing and housing-to-engine. but in this "how-to" post, the guy says to apply some permatex on the gasket.

What do you guys do? put on a dry gasket or use permatex with the gasket? if so, which permatex? there were about 10 different types of them that I saw.

 

I use permatex. Read the packaging, all you need is a high temp/water resistant version. The Orange, black, or blue should work fine for you.

 

I always use a light coating of sealant. Usually Permatex Ultra Copper. Helps seal against pitted aluminium, and makes removing the gasket in the future MUCH easier.

 

I can't remember what I used for my pump-housing job. It was in a metal tube, it was red, and it was high heat. When dried, it was like a silicon substance..

Anyways, I did a thin layer on the housing, put the gasket on, then did another layer ontop of that gasket, and then put the pump onto the housing. Tightened the bolts and wiped off the little bit of excess on the sides.
Not a drop has leaked.

Honestly, the way the bolts are positioned, I really don't think that JUST the gasket will hold coolant in. Maybe at first, but once the system is at operating temperature and theres pressure behind it, don't be surprized if you spring a few drips around the gasket if you don't use sealent.

 

I couldn't find a gasket anywhere for the life of me and I needed the **** fixed fast. So I used some red atv and it held up just perfectly.

 

thanks everyone for your help. I'm going to get started on the job later tonight

 

has anyone used the grey sealent? i use it all the time on stuff (never done a rx7 waterpump tho) and it's worked great on non-rx7 water pumps, oil pumps, oil pans and head gaskets

 

Thank you as well from me. I had the same problem this evening. Water pouring out like there wasn't a gasket at all in there. The only real problem is I broke two of those damn OMP lines.

 

Grey works well, and is more pliable when cured. Red stands up to more heat before degrading, though. Your pick...

 

Ultra copper is great, I just used that on my second water pump job (with a new thermostat,water pump and housing). Seems like its holding up fine, now to take care of those clutch lines.