I could'nt reuse my gasket for my waterpump and there is not one avilable with out a wait of a couple days. So I used some high temp RTV on it . How long should i wait to add water , the directions say 24 hours , but that seems like overkill. I really would like to be driving ASAP, thanks for the reply.

 

I won't suggest doing this if I where you. I would at least go to a parts place and get gasket material and make one and then put a thin layer of rtv on both sides of the gasket that you made and voula, no worry about if it will spring a leak etc... just got a big roll of the gasket material at autozone for like 6 bucks.

 

I would but it is late and I want to run my car.

 

well your going to have to wait 24 hours anyways for that stuff to dry. I personally would wait that long if you are just using rtv however if you where using a gasket I would say you could wait an hour or so. there are a couple mechanics that will tell you it will be good after 20 minutes wich it might but I like to be sure

 

24 hours is a egineered figure , I know there are alot of FC people running gasketless wonders of RTV dreams. I'm just wanting a base line from someone who has run it on there waterpump

 

do not use RTV on the pump housing joint. i did, and 7 months later.. well i ahve a big drippy green mess in the front of my motor. my guess is that, the housing doesnt quite go back far enough to provide a proper seal w/o the gasket.

 

Why do people insist on not following the directions? Do you put a frozen pizza in the oven for only half the time, because the reheat figures are 'egineered'? You're already half-assing it by not using the proper gasket; at least give the RTV a chance by allowing it to cure.

 

Make sure to scrape off all thats left of your old gasket. Sand down the surface until its smooth. Spread a nice even layer of RTV on there (I prefer the red kind) and tighten it down like you would a tire. Give it at least 1 hour till its tack free. I used RTV on my water pump. As long as you get all the old gasket off and its nice and give it at least an hour or two to be tack free like I said. It will work fine for the meantime. As far as long term affects go. I did mine 2 months ago and its still leak free.

 

mine was good for 3 months.. then i found a pinhole.

 

thanks , that is what i was wanting to hear , I scraped it with a razor then gave it a little flat block type sand ,applied red high temp rtv let it sit for 3-5 minutes and then install. It has been sitting for about 2 hours now. I will fill it with water and see if it holds

 

no leaky, a good temp fix.

 

ahhh ****...

 

maybe youll get lucky. i had a pinhole leak for like 3 months.. so i wasnt under the hood for awhile, then i checked again the other day, and the pinhole is big enough now to leave noticeable coolant on the housing.

 

do whatever you want, it isn't suggested because it will either go inside the engine and possibly clog a passage or not seal properly and leak and possibly cause your engine to overheat.

it may work temporarily but most people are lazy and leave it, then complain later.

 

I highly reccomend just going out and getting the gasket, its not that expensive at all

 

I've used RTV with and without gaskets on everything but exhaust with NEVER a leak for the last 40 years.
The trick is good preparation.

The surfaces must be clean & flat.
(I use a 10" smooth mill file with the tip ground as scraper edge)
Apply a thin even coat to both sides.
Let it set for 15 -20 minutes.
Assemble without over torqueing.

 

^ I woudlnt trust most people on that, on both the 'clean both surfaces well' and the 'assemble without over torquing'. Most people dont have patience, and in cold weather it takes much longer for RTV to dry.

So I will always reccomend the gasket, IMHO it is harder to mess up

 

I do use (& reuse) gaskets when I have them.
Even with gaskets, good surface prep is mandatory, you just don't have to be quite as fussy.

I understand it sucks to clean sealing surfaces in bad weather. It's one reason I'm in Florida.
If you have to rush a repair in bad conditions, just allow for time later to redo the job.