>To: Jay & Kim Schmidt <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>
>From: "T.P. Stephens" <doktortim@rockisland.com>

At 09:50 PM 11/16/1999 -0600, you wrote:
>When installing a water pump(84) should silicone be applied to the gaskets
>that join the water pipes to the head/block or is a new gasket enough?

What does Bentley say????? The most important thing is that the mating
flanges are CLEAN, regardless the effort required to get them that way. If
the last person used silicon RTV, you will soon find out why it is
VERBOTEN. Removing the residue takes a heroic effort. The myths of a
thousands years from now will address the slaying of this dragon.

>What ist beste?

Aviation Permatex is decent gasket dressing. Ford water pump sealant is
also very good stuff. The standard Permatex non-hardening type is very good
as well. I only use a sealant if I have some mating surface pitting of
concern, which is typical on older engines.

>FWIW, Bentley doesn't mention anything except gaskets.

Exactly. It is however typical to see some surface roughness 'cause the
German pumps last so long that when they do finaly fail, a perfect surface
no longer exists. A THIN film of sealant on both sides of the gasket is a
prudent enhancement of the book procedure.

Doktor Tim
Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
San Juan Island, WA