Installing gaskets up front?

[Offcenter]

I have my '77 apart on the bench to install a new water
pump. When reassembling it, should I put anything at all
on the new gaskets, such as grease or silicone?
What about all those O rings? Any grease or something
on them to hold them for reassembly?
There are two gaskets, the front engine cover which has
to hold oil and the water pump cover which of course holds
antifreeze.
I only want to do this once. I don't want to see it leaking
again when I'm done.
I found a mess of silicone and epoxy believe it or not, when
I took this thing apart. Someone who knew less than me
had already been inside this engine.

 

[Steve83]

I would just use a thin coat of gasket sealer, assuming the sealing surfaces are smooth. I've always done it this way, and have never had a leak. You should also consider replacing the water pump shaft seal (in the oil pump) while you're there. They are cheap.

 

[steveb123]

A light smear of Vasoline will keep the O rings in place.
I install all gaskets plain unless the factory does otherwise.....which it didn't, in this case.

 

[dan filipi]

I use a very thin film of high temp gasket sealer on the paper gaskets, the red/orange stuff.
No need for any sealer on O rings but the sealing surface must be very clean and smooth.

 

[brianinpa]

Just a force of habit from my Navy days working on aircraft: a thin coat og Vasoline on the o-ring prior to installing it in the groove.

 

[Offcenter]

Thanks guys.