After figuring out I didn't have an exhaust gasket problem, I had a head gasket leak, and fixing it, my dang ol dang water pump is making ugly noises.

I want to replace my waterpump with the one off another engine, but have been only able to find ONE gasket out there in the world. Repair manual says I need two, and I couldn't re-use the old gasket that goes between the gasket housing and inner plate.

Question #1:
Is RTV a good replacement for a paper gasket?

Question #2:
Where is a good source for just water pump gaskets? Rock Auto says discontinued. My excellent local store couldn't find just the gasket listed at all. Luckily they had one on a back shelf. Counter guy says "You'll never see one of these again."

As always, thanks for help and comments.

Joe

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Joe Hoppe

71 D100 225 Super Six 727 AT on 2008 Crown Vic CopCar frame

64 Valiant Wagon 225 904 AT 3:23 8.75"

Get a sheet of gasket material and cut your own.

RTV sealant.

A piece of cardboard greased on both sides.

Surprised water pump gaskets are NLA.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/222173916621

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Casually looking for a Clifford hyperpak intake for cheap.

I would probably just use RTV and no gasket in this case. I bet I have a pile of these and could mail you one, but I'll have to make sure I didn't give/throw them away. Ping me on Friday if I forgot to look.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks, Lou. I will just use the RTV. Also thanks Reed for your response.

I'll let you all know how it goes,
Joe

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Joe Hoppe

71 D100 225 Super Six 727 AT on 2008 Crown Vic CopCar frame

64 Valiant Wagon 225 904 AT 3:23 8.75"

I…would not use just RTV. That seems to me a good way to make two messes: one now, and one the next time someone wants to change the water pump. It also does not seem a good way to seal the water pump plate to the pump body or to the engine block, and if you're extra unlucky, it seems like a good way to cause the impeller to hit the block, necessitating a do-over.

It does look like this gasket is now on the virtually complete list of relevant parts it is no longer reasonable to expect to be able to be able to buy in worthy quality, or at all, at a regular parts store (online or in person). This is a reality of driving an old car.

There are scads of these gaskets still on shelves at the likes of Olson's Gaskets and other less-specialized businesses specializing in old-car parts.

Or you can readily find them on eBay with a search like this one.

Note there are properly two different gaskets; the one between the plate and the pump body is this one, and the one between the plate and the engine is this one — we see old packaging there, but those part numbers were still listed in FPCs as late as '81, so likely right through to the end in '87.

If you do take the time to get the gaskets that are supposed to be there, RTV is still not an appropriate condiment. If you want to apply a gasket dressing, use something less goopy and non-hardening. Copper-Cote (let it dry!) or Hylomar.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Thanks for all of the info, Dan!
I ended up wimping out and getting a reasonably priced new water pump that included both gaskets.

Joe

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Joe Hoppe

71 D100 225 Super Six 727 AT on 2008 Crown Vic CopCar frame

64 Valiant Wagon 225 904 AT 3:23 8.75"

autozone website shows in stock, felpro, i searched 1975 Dodge Dart 6 cyl

Good…maybe? Might be an outta-frying-pan-into-fire deal, given the 'quality' of the new pumps (fuel, oil, water…) available today. May the force be with you and your water pump.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.