Replacing water pump gasket today. I used a new gasket plus some Permatex Ultra blue. DO I have to wait 24 hours before putting coolant in and running it or is that for when you just use the silicone by itself with no gasket? I'd like to run my truck today if I can.

 

I just use greased gaskets unless there is some surface damage that requires another sealer. It is easy to service next time.

Silicone plugs up radiator and oil passages. I have found a number of oil pump inlet screens almost completely clogged with it. Do not use it unless you have to for some reason.

By the time you have everything back together you should be good to go. Silicone sealers do not "dry" they chemically link or "cure" by drawing moisture out of the air or coolant.

 

A user on here (Mike W) said to use white grease. Do a search on that for your next time around.

FWIW, when I use the blue sealant I top up the fluid right away and start itup to make sure it's all good to go. No problems yet.

-Matt

 

Just came inside , Damn hot out there Thanks for the tip(plugged screens-passages) I started using RTV early on wrenching so its hard to break the habit. Sometimes gaskets didn't work. NOW I know why, I never greased them. THis time around I did use blue goop but I'm always careful just to use a thin bead. I will however try greased gaskets next time around. Thanks fellas! By the way what do you grease them gaskets with, regular lube grease or White Lithium?

 

I am not sure. My dad had a tube of grease sitting around that you put into a grease gun. It was white and said grease so I used it.

-Matt