I use silicon grease, the the thick stuff they sell for swimming pool
gaskets, but not permatex etc. unless there is some problem  with the parts
like deep pitting or I am unsure about the fit of the gasket.

Jim

On Sat, Dec 1, 2012 at 6:15 PM, Eric Ley <eric_ley@hotmail.com> wrote:

> I use silicon grease on my rubber seals hold's them in place and conditions
> the seals.
> Eric Ley
> Garage Mechanic ELM
> 2001 Demers Franklin, Qc
>
> ------------------------------**--------------------
> From: "Jim Felder" <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, December 01, 2012 5:59 PM
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Subject:      Re: Water Pump
>
>
>  I've got your back on this one, Karl.
>>
>> : )
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Sat, Dec 1, 2012 at 4:49 PM, Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@q.com> wrote:
>>
>>  You'll open a hornets nest with that one.  A proper sized o-ring does NOT
>>> need augmentation by any glue,silicon, RTV, etc.  if you feel the need to
>>> apply something, I've found KY jel or the equivalent will allow for
>>> better
>>> seating (less likely to pinch, etc).
>>>
>>> Flame proof strap donned.
>>>
>>> Karl Wolz
>>> Sent from my electronic umbilicus
>>>
>>> On Dec 1, 2012, at 2:25 PM, Robert Clemmer <n51219@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>>>
>>> > Ok, today I finally got the water pump out.    UPS is scheduled for
>>> Monday
>>> > delivery of the new one.  Not too much swearing.  I was surprised to
>>> > find
>>> > that it wasn't the pump shaft leaking even though it was noisy and a
>>> little
>>> > loose, but the O-ring had become hard and lost its seal over the years.
>>>    A
>>> > little clean up with the wire brush and I'll be ready to reassemble.
>>> > Oil
>>> > pressure gauge will go in the same time while the engine tin is off.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > I think I read here where someone uses a little black silicone on the
>>> > o-ring.  I curious about the pros and cons of using this.
>>> >
>>> >
>>> >
>>> > Bob C
>>>
>>>
>>