During my engine rebuild (documented in another thread) once installed the timing chain cover, I installed the water pump but managed to strip the threads on one of the bolts in the block that hold the water pump. I will have to disassemble the water pump and timing chain cover and tap new threads. Even though I have a spare set of the timing chain cover gaskets, I do not have an extra one for the water pump unless I wait a week or two (which I do not want to do). I am thinking of using RTV on the water pump in lieu of a water pump gasket.

Does anyone have any experience doing that (good/bad idea, will it hold etc, etc).

 

I'd wait and get a proper gasket.

Much of this was discussed recently in the thread linked below.

Replacing thermostat - use sealant w/the gasket or no? - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Or get a sheet of gasket paper and a sharp scalpel.

 

The original gaskets you get in the kit are made out of thin paper (both timing chain cover and water pump gaskets). They look so thin and flimsy. What's up with that? I had three sets (timing cover gaskets). The first one just tore up on the bottom while I was trying to maneuver the timing cover in place. Second one worked but now I have to disassemble it.

I have always used gaskets with gasket sealant #2 (non hardening) or hylomar and had success 100% over many years and many (older) vehicles. Never used RTV. Since we are talking just the water pump, it won't be so horrible to replace the RTV for a gasket if need be. Those gaskets are $0.50 @ SNG Barratt. Yes, fifty cents!!

 

The problem is with the difference in the metals. Aluminum timing cover, steel/iron water pump. When things heat up each metal expands and contracts differently. So, the Jaguar engineers used paper gaskets with sealer to cover the tolerances and hold the sealer.

 

There was a day when both professional mechanics and we shade tree guys made our own gaskets. Hi tech, paper from the parts house.
Low tech, cardbord from a cereal box or similar.

Lay the removable part on the material, mark the exterior with a simple lead pencil. Hold the material to the part, se a small hammer to cut out the larger interior opening. A sharpened tube does the bolt holes nicely. Scissors to cut out the exterior dimension.

Apply dry, with Indian Head gasket shellac, red Permatex or just grease!!

Worked at leat 90 % of the time.

Almost sucess with fix a battery terminal project. Related as "use what you got" tech.

Carl