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RTV for a water pump - temp and wait time

B

Bob in SD

Member
If a guy was going to use RTV on a water pump at about 10 degrees F would that be a problem? Should I warm the block up with a hair dryer first? It says "fully cures in 24 hours", do I need to wait to fill it, or to pressurize it, or neither? I'd almost think warming the car up would help, but could see where the pressure would hurt.

I normally use permatex #2 but the youtubers seem to think RTV is the way to go (Older GM 3.1)
 
Why not use the gasket that comes with the pump? Only Ultra Grey RTV by Permatex is coolant proof, all other colors are softened by coolant. If you absolutely have to use something, #2 would be best, but I am not a fan of crap on a gasket. Sealing is what the gasket is for.
 
I normally use #2 to hold the gasket to the pump while fitting and also between the pump and the block (in this case, a separate casting, not the actual block). I feel it also fills in any nicks on either surface (not seeing any, just in case). Thanks for the heads up, I have a tube of Ultra Black and one of Ultra Grey and don't know why I have both. I'll make sure to use the Gray if I don't go w/ # 2. Again, in addition to, not instead of, the gasket.
 
Unless there is some problem with the sealing surface, as in corrosion pitted or gouged from scraping, it shouldn't need sealer.

Where it does come in handy is if there are bolts that go through to the cooling jacket. I like to seal the threads just in case coolant tries to leak past.

If you can spare the time to let it sit overnight before refilling the coolant, all the better, but usually that is not an option. It has a very wide temp range, so that should not be an issue.
 
If your in a hurry do not use RTV. It can and will let the gasket squish out easier. I use it but am not in a hurry. I run the bolts up snug but not really tight. Let sit overnight and come back a final tighten it all up. If in a hurry maybe just use the plain gasket and stick it fast with weather strip glue if it is prone to fall off while assembly.
 
RTV will not cure in freezing temperatures.

Are you using just RTV and no gasket? If you're using a gasket, you can skip the RTV although it doesn't hurt to use both. But if you intend to use RTV without a gasket, I'd try to get the block warmed up.
 
Hello Bob is SD,

It's all about what product he is using. RTV gasket maker should do just fine,

Guido.
cvphoto4641.jpg
 

When possible I like to let it set overnight but its not always in the plan... I do like at least 2 hours of set up time I have not been bit yet... I dunno about the temp deal tho...

Nissan does not know what a gasket is most of their cooling system parts are mounted with RTV only so its doable...
 
(quoted from post at 20:45:12 12/03/18) Hello Bob is SD,

It's all about what product he is using. RTV gasket maker should do just fine,

Guido.
<img src="https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/cvphotos/cvphoto4641.jpg">
Click to expand...

That temperature range is likely after it has properly cured at the recommended installation temperature.
They are not the same.

Might want to warm up the area with a heat lamp or two or three before and after installation for several hours to insure a better cure.
 
I would agree with the others, do not use RTV in that situation, take the water pump in, warm up and stick gasket to it with Indian Head or #2 permatex, then install.
 

I would not use it on anything where the meal is deteriorated. I used to but I found that corrosion would creep along between the metal and RTV, resulting ultimately in failure.
 

I missed (Older GM 3.1) one of the EZ ones to do for those that have never done one about a 30 min job for most does not include drain and refill and bleed the air out... Book time is .8 tents of a hr.

Make sure you bleed the air out it should have at least one bleeder on the coolant hose connector just behind the water pump top front... It may have a bleeder where the top hose connects to the thermostat housing...

A very light thin coat of RTV is OK with the gasket install no wait time...
Its not recommended I spec because they do not want any RTV to get into the cooling system I have done 100's that way no problems... YMMV

I glue the gasket to the pump with 3m 8001 weather strip put a very thin coat of RTV gasket to engine then mount with end 4/5 min. Some are gonna say NO it will destroy the gasket if you need to remove it I say YES the gasket will stay with the pump any left on the engine side will come of EZ new gaskets are cheap..

. You have the pump in your hand the gaskets is so much easier to remove then from the pump than with it stuck to the engine...
 
Thanks all. I'll probably use a dab of permatex, keep the waterpump in the house the night before and maybe even take a hair dryer to the casting that stays in the garage overnight. It's my son's car, and he can use Mom's car for a few days until we get if fixed. He works nights and I work days, and I'd rather loan him a car that fix it without him at least watching. I realize it would be a lot quicker just to go out and do it one day after work, but he's nervous doing it on his own, even after he helped take the old one out, and I'd rather him have some skin in the game.

Thanks again, I knew I could count on you guys!

Bob
 
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