Another Water Pump Question

[germaneighter]

'02 Base has 101K miles and original water pump just started to loose coolant.

How do you cut the original metal gasket?

[AKnowles]

I used side cutters and some patience for the one on the engine and the newly supplied one.

[germaneighter]

Should I use anything on the WP gasket or install it dry?

[AKnowles]

It is installed dry. There is a crush strip through the center of the gasket so you don't need anything else but torque to seal it. That and a very clean surface. Hit it with a scotch brite pad to clean the matting surface and a bit of rubbing alcohol and you should be good to go.

[thstone]

I installed my new water pump and t-stat with a thin layer of sealant on the mounting surfaces. Probably not needed but I that's how I was taught back in the dark ages. If you do use some sealant, be sure to use it SPARINGLY.

Also, Wayne Dempsey of Pelican Parts said that he always uses a bit of sealant even though he didn't include it in his DIY (its down in the questions section at the bottom of the DIY page).

[Perfectlap]

^ he also says to flush the coolant every two (2) years -- the fresher the better protected for this type of engine. And no mixing of coolant types, stick with what you have in there already, no adding in ordinary coolant to the long lasting stuff. But obviously a two year flush requires that it be done precisely, more air than you need may be the culprit in many of these premature waterpump failures, allegedly.

[germaneighter]

Replaced WP today. All went very smooth. Installed gasket dry. One observation - my original WP did not have any worn impeller blades and the bearings were very tight. No lateral or thrust play. The only issue was dribbling coolant from shaft seal.