I decided to replace the coolant pump tonight while I wait on other parts to arrive cough...cough...

Easy enough to get it off, now after an hour gently scraping away the old gasket I am at best 1/4 of the way through. Obviously I want to be careful not to gouge the aluminum block, curious if anyone has tried a copper wheel and a dremmel?

Thoughts or should I just suck it up and get back out there and continue the slow process?

 

That type of gasket was in there?? I replaced my pump just last weekend. About 20 min with a piece of scotch brite and I was ready to reassemble.

 

Not sure, my assumption is it is the kind that has some kind of treatment on one side that is intended to bond to the block.

 

The original gasket that was on mine was something other-worldly. I ended up using razor blades but to say you have to be careful is an understatement. You can use a dremel or similar pneumatic tool with the white cloth looking bit. You should be polishing the gasket off with a fabric of some sort.

 

roger that!

thanks

 

Razor blades and plenty of RTV...

 

Haha, NO.
Don't use RTV on your gaskets. If everything is clean, you don't have to add ****. Besides, the RTV will come off inside the engine and clog the oil pickup tube, etc.

I just replaced the water pump on my truck last week; no leaks and def no RTV. I will admit that I spray copper on the pump side of gasket but that's just my preference. If you have bare metal completely clean and wipe everything down with rubbing alcohol immediately before you assemble with your gaskets, you will end up with a tight, positive seal. The only place RTV sealant is used: 4-dabs before the sump gasket and 4-dabs before the valley pan gasket. I think that's it.

 

Scotch Brite pad (no soap) obviously and some brake parts cleaner.

 

Be careful and gentle even with the ScotchBrite. Aggressive use of a ScotchBrite can damage the aluminum.

 

I use this without issue.