Should Permatex sealant or other sealant be used between the water pump backing plate and water pump. Thanks

 

I would use a gasket with a thin layer of permatex # 2 between the pump and gasket to hold the gasket in place during pump installation.

 

Just gaskets and some gasket glue is all you need
I learned back when gasket glue was called gorilla snot and the first Windsor water pump I replaced, I used honey as gasket glue

 

I talking about the surface between the backing plate and the water pump?

 

Nothing but gaskets and gasket glue on both the pump and the plate

 

I Just finished the water pump install on my 1990 302 and used sealant on both the backing plate gasket and the water pump to timing cover gasket. I just noticed today a tiny drop of coolant forming at the bottom of the pump in the area between the two backing plate bolts. I will be removing the pump again but how do I prevent this leaking???? Thanks.

 

I have done 3 in the past 1 1/2 year's using Motorcraft pumps and they all leaked between the plate and pump. I added K-seal to them and they stopped. 2 were 5.0 and one was 5.8 all the same pump's. Got them from Rock I was starting to think they were knock off's. Good Luck

 

Did you use sealant on both gaskets?

 

proper torque on machined surfaces that have a gasket between them

if they are a flat paper gasket, you using sealer is good. not sure what product that is, but if its a gasket sealant that works for coolant, thats good. not having nicks on the timing cover or block is importnant. if you did, you need to fill it in with epoxy and sand flat carefully. then do over. torque bolts. not a bad idea to use a sealer on the bolts to prevent seizing in the block.

 

Thanks for responses from everyone.