Keeping gaskets in place

[Mike B]

Anybody have a preferred method of keeping a gasket in place while attempting to reinstall the assemby it's mated to? I just changed the raw water impeller on my Westerbeke and screwed up the gasket. The gasket that fits between the face plate and pump body is paper thin. Add to that it's in such a position I can't see it, I have to feel my way around, and it makes for a difficult installation. While I've done this successfully more than once I've never been happy with aligning the gasket so as not to ruin it. I thought of applying a little grease to hold it place but am not sure if the grease will compromise the gasket. I'm also considering tying it into place using light sewing thread. Any better ideas?Mike

 

[Paul Akers]

On My Yanmar...

..., which is a 3HM35F, I have the advantage to completely remove the raw water pump assembly when I change the impeller. This make alignment easy.

 

[EatDrinkHealthy]

Gasket in place

liguid soap or KY Jelly ;-)

 

[caguy]

Permatex the gasket onto the removable cover.

Leave the difficult to reach side dry. Use the non-hard setting Permatex the other is a b"""h to get off.Frank

 

[Brian M H23]

Alternative

You can buy thick sealant or gasket maker (there is even gasket maker specifically for water pumps) While not as "easy" as a gasket, it is much easier to clean off to make a good surface for next time, as well as a good idea to have on hand in case you find yourself with a leak and no gasket. There are definitly merits to both, and a good gasket on a clean surface will probably last longer than the sealant, but if you can't get the gakset to install right, then think about sealer.

 

[Timo42]

Hitack spray gasket adhesive

is what I have used for years, comes off easily, use it on one side, Permatex makes it, if you use silicon sealer don't use the gasket as it will squeeze out. Tim

 

[RichH]

"Aircraft grade" Permatex

applied to one side of the gasket will hold it semi-permanently in place. Apply a thin layer of graphite or graphite loaded waterproof grease to the other side of the gasket to ensure complete release.

 

[SamLust]

Gasket holding

For years and years I have used GREASE to hold gaskets in place and to ease removal when the time comes. When I was racing a Yamaha RD 350 the top end came apart afer every race and the bottom end came apart every second or third race. I had no time for scraping gasket goo off. Every gasket got greased and none ever leaked. I do not like gasket adhesives because they make work. If a machine is properly designed there is no need for any adhesive to assist the gaskets. The adhesives are just a holdover from the 1920's when engineering was a bit cruder. I used a blue synthetic from Petro-Chem . Never had a problem. Still have the container, and the bike for that matter. For the paper gasket on the Yanmar water pump I use plumbers grease that I get in a small tin from the big blue or orange box store. I also lube the new impeller with the same grease to ease installation and the first minute of it's working life. Plumbers grease is designed to have no negative effect on rubbers used in water.By the way; you'll find it a lot easier to work on the water pump if you pull it loose from the engine.

 

[Fred Ficarra7897]

I use Pauls method on my Yanmar. But,

these are all good ideas. Get to work Mike!

 

[sailaway78]

Holding a gasket

I would just use a light grease, and not a gasket adhesive. Very light sewing thread will work too. But just apply a light coating of grease, and stick one or two screws through the cover and gasket to hold it from turning. Should work fine, or at least as fine as anything else on a boat. Sam, aren't the RD's wonderful. I had a RD350 and an RD400 Daytona when I retired. Gave both to my son, and he still has them. Some of the crotch rocket guys can't believe it when the old RD's blow their doors off at a stop light.

 

[Steve Dion]

Think about a Speed-Seal

Think about a Speed-Seal. It makes the entire replacment process much easier.I am suprised that the Chandlery does not sell these (Dave)

 

[Mike B]

Thanks for the tips

Thanks for all the tips. I think I'll apply a light grease and use thread to tie off the corners. It's just a blind situation, which would make removing the entire pump even more work. Since I have to move the boat this Saturday to our summer marina, I'll do it either Friday nite or Sat AM.Mike

 

[Mike B]

Had a Speed Seal

I had a Speed Seal on the previous boat and it did make life easier. I thought about it for this one but I question if the area where the pump and face plate are located would allow me to effectively work the thumbscrews. The one side is up tight against the block. I'll have another look when I reinstall the face plate this weekend.