Should I apply gasket sealant to my water pump metal gasket?

(2001 Tacoma 2.7Ltr, SR5 4x4).
Just removed my water pump and the OEM replacement seal is metal. Should I just clean the mating surface and bolt it up? I see a lot of YouTube video's applying sealant before installing.

 

I would if it was mine but from what i understand you don't have to with steel gaskets. I sure wouldn't use silicone though. Too thick.

 

No mention of it in the Field Service Manual. Just new gasket.

Removal Instructions:
CO–6 COOLING (2RZ–FE, 3RZ–FE) – WATER PUMP Author: Date: 1438 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA (RM1002U) 10. REMOVE WATER PUMP Remove the 10 bolts, water pump and gasket. Torque: 24.5 N·m (250 kgf·cm, 18 ft·lbf) for 14 mm head 8.9 N·m (90 kgf·cm, 78 in.·lbf) for 12 mm head HINT: At the time of installation, please refer to the following items. Use a new gasket.

Installation Instructions:
CO–8 COOLING (2RZ–FE, 3RZ–FE) – WATER PUMP Author: Date: 1440 2003 TOYOTA TACOMA (RM1002U) INSTALLATION Installation is in the reverse order of removal

 

The factory water pump on my 98 model engine used a PTFE type liquid gasket. That gasket failed after 21 years and 70,000 miles. The new OEM water pump came with a steel gasket that uses I rubber seal around the pump to block contact surface. It looks like there was a design change at some point to go with the steel and rubber gasket over the PTFE liquid type.

 

I didn't use any sealant on mine. Just replaced one I replaced a few years ago and had no leaks from the gasket.

 

If the water pump came with a mental gasket you dont have to use any other sealant just torque them to spec and you good to go. I never used sealants on the ones I've fixed

 

Cool so I'll install with no sealant. Thanks guys

 

The Jap's have got machining down to a science. The mating surfaces on Jap engines are very well machined. So are the other manufacturers which is why just the steel gasket is all that is necessary. Some type of "thin" sealant would just be insurance.

 

^ this

 

If you're going to just use the steel gasket. A very accurate torque wrench is necessary. The machined surfaces may be incredibly accurate but even torque is mandatory. Some "cheap" ChiCom torque wrench isn't going to cut it. Unfortunately, in this day and age, look at Taiwan for the best tools. America, for the most part, just doesn't manufacture quality tools these days.

Taiwan, For the most part, is now the GOD for quality tools regardless of which company is selling them with their logo.