Imho use permatex 2 on water pumps fuel pumps t stat housings for extra insurance. Some seals are so thin you could easily damage them when you rip off the packaging.

Circulator Flat Flange Gasket Sealant Heating Help The Wall
Should i use gasket sealer on water pump. Usually sealer is used to hold the gasket on the water pump. Dont apply sealant to an o ring or a dry seal. If it is not used the gasket will become wrinkled or possibly fall off during install. Use no sealer on the side gaskets. I know i need thread sealer on the bolts but any advise based on your expereince with the gaskets would be great. It can be applied randomly and not really needed.
If youre installing a conventional gasket use a gasket sealant theyre available in sprays liquids and tubes with specialized formulas for a variety of applications. Use rtv only on the end gaskets on intakes. When changing a water pump replace all old gaskets and seals with new ones. The service manual says to use sealer on both sides of the gaskets. Should i use any sealer on the water pump gaskets. I have talked to a few people with more experience than me and they said to install them dry.
Preparing to replace the water pump in my 99 3800 series ii na with 152k in an olds intrigue. Am i silly considering buying a felpro gasket for 5 when a thin paper gasket comes w the water pump autozone duralastwhat sealant do you folks use on the gasket. Head gaskets i follow the mfg recomendations. If youre a full time auto repair pro or dedicated diyer gasket makers and flange sealants are products youll want to keep on hand to save time and money. If your new pump comes with a seal make sure its in impeccable condition before installing it.