Safe to use RTV instead of a gasket on water pump?

[RETed]

I've always used either the black or copper RTV by Permatex.
Those two are "better" and more flexible than the blue stuff.
I've had bad experiences with the blue stuff "crumbling".

3Bond basically makes all the Japanese OEM assembly stuff.
You might also know it as Hondabond / Yamabond / Mazdabond, etc.
It's sometimes difficult to get these - OEM dealers should carry them though.
...and they are MUCHU expensive versus the Permatex stuff.
Permatex RTV's are easily available at most car parts stores + WalMart, etc. and MUCH cheaper - less than $10 a tube.


-Ted