I am about to replace a water pump on my 1998 Honda Accord Ex with 97K miles. The Fantastic writeup that TourinAccord created does not mention a gasket sealant. It only states to put one on with a new gasket. However, in the past, a gasket sealant was advised.

When replacing the water pump, is it recommended to use a sealant? I've heard if particles of the sealant comes off, it can get into the water pump and cause issues.

Many thanks

 

The waterpump gasket should be an O-ring. In that case, don't use sealant. Clean the O-ring groove properly & look carefully for scratches in ALL the surfaces that touch the O-ring.

Use sealant sparingly only if you see scratches.

Some other cars (older?) have conventional gaskets on the waterpump. Sealant might be good in that case.

 

thanks!

no, I did not mention any gasket sealant as it is not stated to do so in the Helm manual. I've done a few of these and have yet to use any gasket sealant, no problems so far (knocks on wood). Like JimBlake said, only use sealant if there are some scratches on the blocks surface where the water pump sits. Otherwise, just clean the block surface where the water pump sits against and install the new water pump torquing it to the proper spec and you will be fine.

 

Thanks Jim and TouringAccord....you inspire me to be a better home mechanic.

Thank you TA for many years of helping me and others save so much heartache and money.

Special thanks to both you. Most of all, educating me.

Ariel

 

haha, no problem, glad to help

yeah, if I recall correctly, I also talked/helped you with something a couple years ago or so. I just can't recall what it was, oh well no matter.