S4 / RS4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi S4 & RS4 produced from 1998-2002

*Edit* Auto Question: Is it okay to use gasket maker or sealant instead of gasket on water pump?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 02-20-2008, 07:37 AM
  #1  
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
S4Dean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default *Edit* Auto Question: Is it okay to use gasket maker or sealant instead of gasket on water pump?

Instead of buying new water pump gasket, can you just use a sealant in the gasket's place? I don't see why not. If the sealant is able to withstand the fluids (e.g. coolant) it comes in contact with and high temps, won't a sealant be just as effective as a gasket? I figure the sealant would expand as it dries and prevent any leaks from water pump Just curious because I'll be doing my timing belt/water pump in the next 6 months.
Old 02-20-2008, 07:40 AM
  #2  
AudiWorld Super User
 
davenew's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 7,825
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Please do not try that..

Once you remove the valve covers you'll see why that's not a good idea.
Old 02-20-2008, 07:44 AM
  #3  
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
S4Dean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default I wasn't thinking. The valleys on a valve cover would be too deep for a sealer to fully seal

I would think that'd be fine on a water pump though.
Old 02-20-2008, 07:56 AM
  #4  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Bracketracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default if everything is prepped perfectly

meaning every bit of old coolant is drained out, and not collecting on the bottom sealing surface of the pump mating surface, then yes, there's a good chance RTV will work. However, I'm not quite sure why you would want to do this.
Old 02-20-2008, 08:05 AM
  #5  
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
S4Dean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default When I did the timing belt/water pump on my 4 banger beater, I ripped the sh!!ty paper gasket that

came with the water pump so I did this. Just wanted to make sure this would be okay for a long-term solution when I do the S4.
Old 02-20-2008, 08:14 AM
  #6  
AudiWorld Super User
 
Bracketracer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 15,505
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default again, if perfectly prepped, you shouldn't have a problem

however, I've done 100+ 2.7/2.8 belt/pump jobs and have never done one without using a gasket.
Old 02-20-2008, 08:20 AM
  #7  
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
 
S4Dean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Thanks man. I'll just use a gasket. Not worth the risk
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
AudiSpeed84
Audi 4000 / Coupe GT Discussion
5
01-19-2008 08:02 PM
tvt
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
6
03-08-2007 07:30 PM
Zamore
A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion
7
02-19-2005 01:17 PM
Raoul
A6 / S6 (C5 Platform) Discussion
5
05-30-2004 06:02 AM
preston
Audi Original "S" Cars
2
04-24-2004 04:45 PM



Quick Reply: *Edit* Auto Question: Is it okay to use gasket maker or sealant instead of gasket on water pump?



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 06:50 AM.