Reuse paper impeller gasket?

[mrybas]

If inspecting an impeller, but not replacing it, can you reuse the paper gasket? So they sell just the paper gasket?

[boatpoker]

I never use the paper gasket, I use gasket in a tube. Never had a problem like I did occasionally with paper.

[Calif.Ted]

I replace the impellor, I have no faith in my ability to inspect one adequately.

[BlueChicago]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

I never use the paper gasket, I use gasket in a tube. Never had a problem like I did occasionally with paper.

May I ask which gasket in a tube, specifically?

[Howler]

It depends on the condition, of course, but I’ve reused gaskets after inspection. That said, you can buy the gasket alone for just a few dollars at the online marine diesel parts retailers (not sure we’re allowed to mention the, by name on the forum). Make sure to scrape remnants of the old gasket off with a razor blade to ensure clean surfaces.

One caution... when I recently replaced the gasket, it didn’t provide an airtight seal immediately. After “soaking in” for a few days, it was fine.

[TrentePieds]

Why would one wish to inspect an impeller? Impeller pumps either work or they don't. Either condition is obvious. Failure demands replacement of the impeller. Replacement impellers are cheap and come with the appropriate gasket. But as Boatpoker sez - "gasket in a tube" is more reliable than a "dry fitted" paper gasket. ""Formagasket" is one brand available at any auto parts store.

TP

[kas_1611]

Buy sheets of "inlet manifold" gasket paper from any automotive parts place and cut your own impeller gaskets from that rather than spend extra on pre-made, OEM ones.
At a push and in an emergency you can even use breakfast cereal packets (even for car inlet manifolds!!) as all it is doing is providing a seal between the two metal surfaces. In an ideal world the metal faces would be micron smooth and create a metal to metal seal but safer to use the gasket.

[skipgundlach]

Originally Posted by TrentePieds

Why would one wish to inspect an impeller? Impeller pumps either work or they don't. Either condition is obvious. Failure demands replacement of the impeller. Replacement impellers are cheap and come with the appropriate gasket. But as Boatpoker sez - "gasket in a tube" is more reliable than a "dry fitted" paper gasket. ""Formagasket" is one brand available at any auto parts store.

TP

Cheap is in the eye of the beholder. The replacement kit for our engine-driven Jabsco is "interesting" in cost. That said, I replaced my impeller taken from a leaking-seal instance, and put it aside as a spare, as it appears just fine.

There are those who replace impellers after every oil change, which normally would assure that they work when you need to have them work.

And, yes, paper gaskets are available as a separate item; I keep spares of everything related to the water pump, including an entire ready-to-bolt-on pump and pulley - which made the replacement of the aforesaid, an hour before we were going to enter the Gulf Stream, a non-event...

[Cheechako]

Sure, just reuse it if in good shape. No problem. Pumps are designed for the impeller to seal/wipe on the cover, so if you use liquid gasket, dont leave it thick somehow!

[Tetepare]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Sure, just reuse it if in good shape. No problem. !

Yes. I do it all the time. My gasket has outlived the last three impellers (which were replaced proactively).

[sailorchic34]

Yep, I reuse my gasket all the time too. If it's not torn, it should be ok.

[out42]

+1 to Sailorchick. If it comes off cleanly, re-use it If not,......

[a64pilot]

Put a thin film of grease on the paper gasket, that will help keep it from sticking and does seem to help them seal better too.

[John_Trusty]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Put a thin film of grease on the paper gasket, ....

This is why I read this forum. Advice like that does not appear in instruction manuals, or maintenance books. It's passed on as part of the oral tradition on docks and in bars. Thanks for documenting that A64!

[boeing1]

I have reused paper gaskets, if in good condition, some impellers do not come with a replacement gasket.