What's the impeller housing gasket material?

[alexdz]

Hi all! I'm at my new (to me) boat right now trying to get the cooling system back together. I thought I had a new impeller housing gasket, but it seems to be a paper material. Is that the right stuff?

Please reply soonest if you know. THANK YOU!!

OH--it's a Volvo MD7A!!

Alex

[Maine Sail]

Depends on brand but many of them are nothing more than a thin paper gasket.

[alexdz]

That's the stuff. Thank you!

[lshick]

Yes, I had a mech tell me that I could use a 3x5 card or a piece of a manila folder.

[timebandit]

You can put a light coat of grease on both sides and that will help at removal time and also insure it does not leak.

[Northeaster]

Red RTV sealant (auti store) also works well. You do not to want it thick however, as it will squeeze out and make a ridhe inside / outside. Just a very thin coating is fine, keeping it back a bit, from the inside edge.

[alexdz]

I also asked this question on the Cape Dory site, and am amazed at how quickly someone answered in both places. This internets thing seems useful, might actually catch on someday!

As it turns out, and someone pointed out on the other site, the gasket was fine--unless it's a Speedseal. Well naturally, it's a Speedseal!

No worries, I think there are a couple of new o-rings for that aboard, and I can change it out next week.

I wasn't able to finish the job due to a missing thermostat housing bolt. Any suggestions on who might have the bolt and thermostat in stock in the area (NOVA to Rock Hall) would be appreciated.

Thanks again!

Alex

[roline]

Most water pump paper gaskets and oil pump paper gaskets are a protein glue and glycerin treated celulose about .003" thick. The rotor to end plate clearance is controled by the gasket thickness. Excessive thickness means excessive bypass, flow and pressure loss. Velumoid was one of the oldest companies that manufactures the stuff in many grades.