Waterpump Gasket Nightmare

[MakaveliX]

Spent the majority of yesterday removing the waterpump from my 2002 Merc.

Today I attempted to fit the new one, however long story short I ended up bending the gasket when I was checking to see if it would all fit.
One bolt would not go in, and I figured the gasket was blocking the hole - which was the case.
New gasket on the way.

Is there any way I can I use some adhesive to keep the gasket stuck to the back of the pump, even if just a tiny bit. It would make the job much easier.
I know that some adhesives are bad to get into the coolant system hence the question.



Is anything like this any use ?

Edited by MakaveliX on Wednesday 31st July 19:18

[Hammer67]

Whenever I need to do something similar I use a smear of grease.

[hellorent]

This ^^^^

[MakaveliX]

Thanks guys.
Was a bit frustrated earlier. Half way through putting the bolts in one of them wouldn't go in at all. Due to the gasket moving and being slightly bent from a previous first attempt.

Will get some permatex to play it safe ( as it says it's safe to use on water pumps ) and use a tiny bit to keep the flimsy gasket in place whilst I fit the part.

[tr7v8]

Hammer67 said:

Whenever I need to do something similar I use a smear of grease.

This, Vaseline works well.

[hidetheelephants]

Stick the gasket in place with a few very small blobs of superglue, the gasket doesn't need sealant.

[Krikkit]

Can you pop the bolts through to hold the gasket while you get it in position?

[MakaveliX]

Krikkit said:

Can you pop the bolts through to hold the gasket while you get it in position?

Yes, I did put two bolts through as you just suggested, next time I will put a couple more in.. Plus a small amount of adhesive to keep the gasket in place.

Appreciate the input everyone thanks.

[Megaflow]

Another vote for the grease trick

[GreenV8S]

I use Hylomar Blue. It's a non-setting liquid gasket that sticks quite well to everything and is designed to tolerate all the usual fluids.

[tux850]

I always assumed all pump gaskets had little tabs you fold in to hold them in place for refitting. Looking at that one, and the fact no one has mentioned this, must mean it was just coincidental that the (very) few I've done all happen to have had them.

[E-bmw]

If a couple of bolts don't keep it sat right, the only thing I would use is Hylomar blue as above.

[Pistom]

hidetheelephants said:

Stick the gasket in place with a few very small blobs of superglue, the gasket doesn't need sealant.

Not sure if superglue could cause issues. Will it not set to form a ridge?

I've found a good smearing of KY jelly does the trick.

[dontlookdown]

GreenV8S said:

I use Hylomar Blue. It's a non-setting liquid gasket that sticks quite well to everything and is designed to tolerate all the usual fluids.

Another vote for blue Hylomar. Just a v thin coating over the gasket surface.The home mechanics in my family have been using it successfully for three generations;)

[MakaveliX]

I do have some Permatex on the way as it is advertised as " Formulated for water pumps "
This stuff here...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PERMATEX-INC-22071-WATER-...

I can get Hylomar Blue as suggested, but I think it is a similar thing?
https://www.fixra.com/products/hylomar-universal-b...

Edited by MakaveliX on Thursday 1st August 09:18

[E-bmw]

MakaveliX said:

I do have some Permatex on the way as it is advertised as " Formulated for water pumps "
This stuff here...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PERMATEX-INC-22071-WATER-...

I can get Hylomar Blue as suggested, but I think it is a similar thing?
https://www.fixra.com/products/hylomar-universal-b...

Permatex is silicone, personally I wouldn't.

That is not to say it won't work, but I wouldn't.

As above blue hylomar has been the go to stuff for decades.

[hidetheelephants]

Pistom said:

hidetheelephants said:

Stick the gasket in place with a few very small blobs of superglue, the gasket doesn't need sealant.

Not sure if superglue could cause issues. Will it not set to form a ridge?

I've found a good smearing of KY jelly does the trick.

The OP wants the gasket held in place, the gasket sealing face is quite large so small blobs shouldn't be a concern. Hylomar or other non-setting goop would be fine, care should be taken to avoid excess goop squeezing out and forming blobs on the inside.

[MakaveliX]

E-bmw said:

Permatex is silicone, personally I wouldn't.

That is not to say it won't work, but I wouldn't.

As above blue hylomar has been the go to stuff for decades.

OK thanks. I have got some Hylomar on the way.
What is the issue with Permatex being silicone ?

[MakaveliX]

Also. In theory. Can you use a liquid gasket maker instead of a physical gasket as shown in the first photo ?

[Acorn1]

As said rub a finger of grease around the flange to make it stick or any gasket sealant although not strictly necessary.