Water Pump housing question

[moparmaniac59]

Hey folks,
Happy Independance Day (for those of you in the USA). I forget that we have so many board members in other countries!! I just pulled the water pump and housing from my big block (440) and noticed that there was no gaskets where the housing bolts to the block. It never leaked. It did have a film of silicone sealant. Is the housing supposed to have gaskets on each side where it bolts to the block or is this supposed to be a metal to metal fit?? Thanks guys. this site rocks!!

                                                         Matt B.

[Grancoupe]

Should have had gaskets under it. But I guess the guy that last worked on you car decided to just use RTV? Its a pretty solid piece when you think about it. After all a diff on an 8 3/4 goes in with no gaskets since its all cast iron. That pump housing is a pretty stout piece. Not recommending it though. I would use the gaskets.

[MEK-Dangerfield]

It should have a gasket, but I guess RTV was used. Heck, I would use both just to be sure.   


  Mike

[Aussie Challenger]

  Not using a gasket has the advantage of closing the gap at the back of the pump increasing the efficency of the pump slightly, I would always use a gasket though.   

[bb71challenger]

I would much rather use a gasket with a thin film of silicone rather than a larger bead that might squeeze to the inside of the pump housing. If a decent sized piece of silicone breaks loose and gets into the cooling system it could wreck all kinds of havoc on your engine.

[moparmaniac59]

I made some gaskets from some 1/32" stock. Made plenty of gaskets working in the marine industry. Funny though, I went to Advance Auto and they didn't even have the water pump housing gaskets in the computer system and I couldn't find anything on the housing in my factory service manual. Maybe I was looking in the wrong section . Only the water pump was in the cooling section. All I need now is for my aluminum radiator to arrive BEFORE I leave for Carlisle. Thanks for all the input!!


                                                               Matt B.

[MrMopar440]

I would definitely use a gasket. Never hurts and anything to help stop possible leaks. 

[71chally416]

I would use a thin layer of the Copper type RTV on a water pump housing and never give it a second thought. I've used it to seal 8 3/4 rear chunks without a gasket and always use it on the ends of Intake manifolds on small blocks. If you put enough on to possibly clog the cooling system you are using way too much. Just smear a little on the entire gasket surface and don't squeeze half the tube on.