Installing new water pump on 83 chevy pickup. Oops, no gasket sealer! Can I use oil, brake fluid, gojo...???

Question

I do have the paper-like gaskets that came with the new water pump. Just don't have any gasket sealer. Is there something I can use that will work just as well?

I have no silicone stuff, no gasket sealer, etc. I have no way to get to the store (15 miles from civilization in the sticks, transmitting by satellite). I have oil, vaseline, brake fluid, gojo hand cleaner (creamy stuff that smells like gas).

Answer 1

Only if you want to replacement the pump again as it will leak> Even if you have the gaskets you need proper sealer>

Answer 2

Oil or Vaseline will do the trick.  While the gasket sealer is the best, I would choose oil next.  Before the silicone based gasket sealers were around the only other sealer available was Indian Head Gasket sealer.  It was sort of a shellac.  It was terrible to remove when you had to replace a part sealed with the stuff.  We usually used motor oil on our gaskets instead.  It will work fine as long as the mating surfaces are clean and smooth.

When replacing a water pump, torque the fasteners evenly and in a star shaped pattern.  Don't tighten them loosely as mentioned before, you will definitely get a leak and it won't be easy to stop after it begins leaking.

Answer 3

You managed obtaining a new pump!

Vaseline would be top choice of what you have.

Be very careful each face is clean, and don't warp the pump by overtightening it! If in doubt, tighten it fairly gently at first, and then get it running. If any leak shows, try (again gently), a  bit more pressure on the bolts/ studs. Do not exceed recommended torque settings for the size of stud/ bolt!

The paper gasket will swell a little when it gets wet.

If you still have a leak after all this, you'd better get youself into town and get some silicone sealant.

Answer 4

as long as both mating surfaces are clean and free of the old gasket material it should seal fine with the new gasket........................yes it will seal without silicone gasket sealer

Answer 5

I would not use any of that you need to find a way to get some gasket sealer out to you.

Answer 6

vaseline it's the only one that will not deteriorate the seal.

Answer 7

You don't need anything except the gaskets as long as the surface is clean. A general rule of thumb is seal oil with oil, water with water. Wipe a bit of antifreeze on them.