I don't use silicone on new gaskets, unless the surface is severely pitted.
Or if I don't have a new gasket at 11:00 PM Sunday, I'll put on a **thin**
coating to ensure a seal. I hate using silicone, and go to it only as a last
resort.

I do swear by some stuff called "Gasket Sealing Compound" sold by Outboard
Marine Corp (OMC) p/n 317201. Mercury Marine sells it under the name
"Perfect Seal" if I remember correctly. This stuff comes in a can with a
brush in the lid. Looks like Permatex 3H aviation glue, but does not set up
hard like the 3H does. I coat both sides of the gasket before installing.
Wonderful stuff!

Go ahead and stick them on dry.

TomC
tcarrington@relitech.com
http://volksweb.relitech.com
85 Vanagon Crew Cab
82 Westy diesel=>gas conversion
65 Notchback

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jay & Kim Schmidt [SMTP:schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET]
> Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 1999 10:50 PM
> To:   vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Silicone oder nein
>
> 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
> is best? Seems to me that the purpose of the new gasket is to do it's job
> and silicone wouldn't be necessary, but then plumbing doesn't always work
> out that way. Thanks for your thoughts--I'm waiting patiently as the
> put-back is on hold until I find out.
> Thanks!
> Jay
> FWIW, Bentley doesn't mention anything except gaskets.