Hello All,

Time for the same question you get at the supermarket check out. Only this is about gaskets not bags. Inga my semi-faithful 1986 245DL is about to get a new water pump gasket and a valve cover gasket. The water pump is being replaced and the valve cover was leaking in two spots (broke in three places). The valve cover is a left over issue from the "did not know about the flame trap, because did not know about this board" monster, epic, mother of all oil leaks from a few years back. But lets move on to the issue.

Both surfaces had what looks like some sort of paper gaskets for replacments purchased down at the EuroParts house. Also purchased was a container of Permatex Form A Gasket Sealant.

The plan was to place this on both sides of the water pump gasket and around the two input port seals (which will also be new). The plan was to lightly oil the valve cover gasket and make sure that the bolts are snug, but not over tight. Was not planning to use the gasket material on there.

We got a cold front down here on the Texas coast and the high today is only 94. Hate to restrict my time outside to take advantage of this break in the heat, but idea is to do both of these one time.

What would you do if it was your 240? Paper, plastic (gasket sealant), or both?

Inquiring minds want to know and as always your input is greatly appricated.

PT

Put your paper gaskets on dry.

Add a dab of the form-a-gasket on the head where the cam cover meets the half-moon and at the #1 cam bearing cap.

Clean under the head and thoroughly clean the block for the water pump install.

Leave the water pump gasket entirely dry or it will squirt (slip) out of place. Add just a thin film to the heater return pipe and the donut seal with the head, more for lube while inserting and positioning it than sealing. Place the square o-ring on the heater return pipe, not in the water pump. Ease it into place. Get the pump over the two studs and start the four bolts before tightening anything.

Yah! Your plan is good.

Valve cover gasket - light touch on the tightening.

Water pump - easy with the Perm-A-Gasket. You got the non-hardening kind, right?

Clean the block surface clean. Then dab some on and smear it to being an even coat with a fingertip.

Same on the water pump surface.

You know about the "lift up to seal the top gasket" deal, right?

Grand weather. Got the CE light fixed at Volvo of Houston (quicker but not cheaper, needed EGR Valve), then ran for the emission test place before the 965 could throw another code. Passed easily.

Wife.sig has day off. We munched on Quiznos between dealer and home 20 miles).

Hope your job goes well. Now I have to go out and do all the things needed on the 965 and the 1988 and the 1986. This weather has but a short life.

Regards,

Bob

:>)