Xantia 1.9td Water pump gasket .. personal choice?

ed4ferrets · Unread post by **ed4ferrets** » 18 Mar 2011, 17:32

Hi, I'm not having success with the search option.

Is the gasket supplied adequate or should one either replace or supplement with a silicone gasket maker (or any other type)?

I used a silicone on it's own when replacing the pump because the gasket had disappeared

. I felt uneasy about it and removed the pump to find all the silicone had squished out although the bolts were not tight!

Anyway I have again found the gasket but would like some expert advice to put my mind at rest when I put the pump on again tonight please.

Cheers

Ed

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 18 Mar 2011, 18:29

I had to change my pump about three months ago, as the (cheap) one I fitted started to leak. To be fair it was all I could find at the time as I wanted one that day.

When I replaced it I just cleaned the aperture all up (take your time with this), use some emery if needed to ensure its perfect as its easy to miss a bit of old gasket due to a slight lack of space, although you might not have as little space as me.

I just used the supplied gasket this time, no sealant. If purchasing pump, ensure it comes with a gasket, I would not buy one without as they are a pain to try to find on their own.

Anyway, no leaks.

Different car (see my signature) same engine though.

Unread post by **CitroJim** » 18 Mar 2011, 19:36

Using the GSF supplied pumps, I've never had a problem with sealing using the supplied gasket. Follow Andy's very good advice about really cleaning up the gasket face on the block.

I use an old, blunt wood chisel to carefully remove any remaining stubborn bits of gasket...

I then smear both sides of the gasket in Vaseline before fitting. I'm not sure if it helps but it's an old trick my dad taught me and it always seems to help...

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Mar 2011, 19:44

The most effective way I have found to use silicone sealant is to run a bead of it around whatever it is you are fitting, the night before and let it set, it forms a nice rubber gasket but is still soft enough to squeeze out. I don't think I have ever had a leak doing that.

Peter

ed4ferrets · Unread post by **ed4ferrets** » 18 Mar 2011, 22:33

cheers lads, good stuff.. I've also been told Hylomar Blue is excellent for the job.

Will know tomorrow anyway and hopefully Xant will be up and running this weekend, touch wood..

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Mar 2011, 22:38

I use ordinary bathroom sealant - much cheaper

Xantidote · Unread post by **Xantidote** » 19 Mar 2011, 09:31

I used Hylomar Blue when water pump changed on Xantia - no leaks

Many years ago, I had a couple of Reliant Scimitars with the F*rd V6 engine, which has heated inlet manifold sitting between the 2 banks of cylinders. The interface was always a weak point for coolant leaks, and the reommendation was to use Hylomar Blue, along with genuine F*rd gasket, which never gave further problems. The Blue is supposed to remain flexible, and IIRC, there was also Hylomar Red (non-flexible)