After removing the (2) allen head cap screws from my water pump (that leads
to the cooling pipe between the pump and thermostat on my 86 vanagon), I
noticed they were coated with a rubbery red product.  Also, this same
product seems to be used in place of a gasket between the water pump and
flange for that same pipe.  I was given a grey paperlike gasket for the
flange.  What was this red stuff that was on the old hardware? I noticed a
product that is called locktite at the auto store.  Did a previous owner
just forgo the gasket, and goop this stuff all over the flange and allen
head cap screws, before slapping it together?  It held all this time. What
do you recomend as a proceedure for installing the new allen head cap screws
and gasket?  Is this paper gasket really going to hold against all that heat
and moisture?

Also, I am having difficulty pulling off the old pipe from the hose that
leads into the thermostat.  Can I use penetrating oil on this?  Is there a
better product.  Finally what should I use to lubricate the hoses that go
onto the pipe at various questions.

Sorry for barrage of installation questions, but I don't have any trusted
mechanics around here to consult with.

Thanks, Jeff Hartman
Juneau, AK