2002 water pump gasket thickness

[Zorro]

Just took off the original water pump on my '02 and the gasket was a thick red one. The gasket that came with the new water pump is a very thin cardboard gasket. Should I try to find a thicker gasket, or will the cardboard one suffice? I had to order all new bolts for the water pump as most were rusted out. Thoughts??

 

[Sharps40]

Scrap cardboard gaskets that come with the pump. Get a ford or felpro permatorque gasket. Cardboard will saturate and weep, especially the unsealed ones that come with aftermarket or rebuilt pumps

 

[Anthony C]

Yes what Sharps said .... Also if you replace the thermostat use only the Ford or Felpro O-ring. The O-ring in the box is useless It will leak almost immediately.

 

[Zorro]

OK I ordered a new water pump gasket and it looks like it is mostly metal (?!). Paid $24 and it leaks...don't want to over tighten the bolts (OK I already did that and broke one). Should I go back to the one supplied with the water pump? Sharps and Anthony C--thoughts?

 

[Sharps40]

Do bolts enter the water jacket? If so seal the threads. I have never seen a metal water seal, may need a skim coat of sealer.

 

[Zorro]