I'm installing a new water pump on my 95 Sonoma 4.3L V6. Do I really need to replace the gaskets where the pump attaches to the block or can I just use some silicone or liquid gasket material? It is going to be hard to scrape the old ones off as at least one is pretty inaccessible. Also, what should I torque the bolts to when I re-install?

It's always best to use nice clean surfaces and if it is evenly torn or split and so hard for you to scrape it as you should then you can use a product like PERMATEX SILICONE GASKET MAKER which is not so adhesive but will work and be easier to remove later if you are back there. Let stuff like that fully cure so it doesn't let what might get squished out get in the system and just,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php

Yes it would be best to scrape off and start fresh, but as I explained earlier, accessibility is a problem. The old gaskets look intact but a bit shiny. I might just try some permatex, but I hate doing stuff twice, so I would like to know if using the old gaskets would work before I try it.

If they are completly there (feel for them if need be) and just shinny it should be fine. Just make a nice even film of the gasket maker.

When you have a tough spot to scrape like this, there are tools that can get in there or what I've done is take an old screwdriver and heat with just propane torch to bend as needed and bench grind just what I need to work as a scraper,

T
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Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest, Boston
http://acsource.net/acforum/index.php

If you hate doing the job twice, take the time to remove the old gasket. If not you will be back in there sooner than you want to be.


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