Fuel Pump: Gasket sealer or no?

[JINGA]

Picked up a new fuel pump today. (Note: I overpaid at Napa. What makes things worse, is this was supposed to be a stop gap until I installed fuel injection. Oh well.)

Didn't think to ask the Napa guy about installation, I just checked my manual at home. Manual says to use gasket sealer. SO off I go to Autozone for sealer. Parts dude at the Zone says no sealer. :rolleyes:

I'm leaning toward signoring the Autozone guy, but figured I would do well to ask here first.

It's a 1979 360 if that helps.

Thanks,
JINGA

[sailingjeep]

Yeah, I used sealer. Doesn't seem to have caused any problem and I think the piece of paper that came with the pump said to as well. I just used regular ole gasket sealer to stick the paper gasket to the pump and then to the engine. Replacing the thing was quite a job for me, but I am most definitely a neophyte mechanic. I had to take off the PS pump to get at it. Some folks mentioned it being easier from under the jeep, but I couldn't get at it all that better.

[xj2fsj]

A littl extra protection never hurts, plus the guys who design the gasket materials know whats needed to maximize their product. what did you pay at NAPA? was it the premium? P.N.?

[Bob Barry]

I never used sealer for the pump, just the paper gasket; seems to hold the oil in just fine. Of course, I made sure the surfaces were clean and flat. It's not a high pressure/high volume oil location there; it's just whatever oil gets slung off the timing-chain. I'm inclined to NOT use extra sealant unless absolutely necessary; it usually makes cleaning the gasket off more of a burden the next time you have to do it.

[Crazy_Jeepman]

I never use a sealer either for a fuel pump. RTV is overrated. If I have a gasket that I need to have held in place so as I can install a component I use a Spray adhesive Permatex HIGH TACK 90 works well. Other than that nothing else. ;) ;)

[ June 13, 2002, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: Crazy_Jeepman ]

[Gary Holmes]

I'm a fan of Peratex Form-a-Gasket. Has always worked for me. Never had any problems with leakage from the gasket install or any trouble removing the item later.

[JINGA]

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

I'm going to go with Bob Barry this time. I'll clean the surfaces well and just use the gasket. Since I am contemplating a switch to an electric pump, I think this might be the best solution in the end. If I had heard it was absolutely necessary to use it, I would. But noone really said that.

xj2fsj, the part number is M6736 and it netted me $26.29 which is close to double what I read some people have bought them for at the zone, etc. On the positive side, it does appear to be American made (maybe they meant the box?) and of high quality. I don't see anything that indicates premium (except that price!).

Thanks again. I'll do a webpage of the install when I get to it.

JINGA

[LRRH]

i didn't use sealant either. like Dr. Bob said, just make sure that both surfaces are clean and flat and it will hold up quite well.