Paper gasket or liquid gasket sealer for water pump replacement?

[RickBlaine]

Howdy 240sx-ers!

This week I will replace my original 26-year old water pump (and the three belts) on my 240sx. It started leaking out of the weep hole last week. I bought an AISIN replacement (they are OEM for several Japanese makes) for $42 from Advance Auto (Amazon had them for $34 but I suck and did not check first) and it comes with a paper gasket.

On the numerous threads here (and on YouTube) on water pump replacement, everyone seems to use the Permatex liquid gasket sealer to create a bead around the pump. What is unclear to me is should I use the paper gasket that came with the new pump, sealer only, or both sealer and gasket?

Lastly, Is Peak or Prestone brand still OK for our cooling systems. I do a drain and fill every three years- but six years ago I removed the engine block plug too. It has been maintained so I think a drain and fill will suffice- but wanted to know if any manufacturer changed their formulations that made them now incompatible for our older rides.

I appreciate any advice here.

Thank you!

[Lord Umoja]

I used a paper gasket and gasket adhesive. It worked fine for me. I tend to avoid liquid gasket maker since I've pulled chunks of that s*** out of a few motors before.

[GTR PrYdE]

I really like liquid gasket-by itself (has never leaked on me). Just don't go overboard and follow the directions.

Most coolant's say what vehicles they're compatible with. Green coolant is usually ethylene glycol which is standard coolant.

[wa-chiss]

Paper gasket and "High Tack" from Permatex. Not once had an issue with the gasket failing with that combo. I once replaced my water pump and just used a bare paper gasket, it pushed out after some high RPM spirited driving (drifting) and only a couple hundred miles. I replaced the gasket and brushed both sides with high tack about 8 years ago, with plenty of drifting, and no failed gasket. I highly recommend both the product and the method. Only negative side to that is the gasket is then hard to remove. I found using brake clean before scraping an old gasket off to be best.

[RickBlaine]

Excellent advice, gents- thank you!

I also learned I should be more clear on "liquid gasket maker" vs. "liquid gasket adhesive".

I did this yesterday with the Permatex AND paper gasket. Only one day, but so far so good. The 3 belt replacement was surprisingly easy as well with the fan clutch and fan blade off anyway. I am still running distilled water for today until I drain it clear- then will re-fill with Peak Long Life concentrate and distilled water mix. Roughly 55% distilled water and 45% Peak coolant.