85 FB

The housing that the water pump goes onto and the housing mates against the engine block, does that need a gasket sealant around it? I ask because when attemping to remove the water pump, I managed to separate the housing from the engine block and I noticed that there was some sticky-looking glue making a webbing effect as I pulled it away.

Does this need sealant or can it be stuck back against the engine block with basically metal to metal contact? I ask because it won't come off because the lower outlet neck is blocked by the oil line block (or whatever the hell that thing is with all those skinny lines) so I can't really remove the housing that easily.

Any help would be great.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

It does come with a gasket from the factory. If if don't want to remove the housing then I would suggest putting a bead of silicone gasket maker. You should be able to make a good bead by just pulling it away from the front plate. But don't reinstall without any sealer. It will leak.

85 FB

So, how can I take that sucker off with all those oil lines feeding into the distribution block beneath it? That block is getting in the way of the lower radiator hose neck.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

You can just unbolt the OMP and set it aside or undo the seperate attachment bolts for the lines and carefully position them out of the way.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

It's bad to unbolt the OMP because this can lead to oil leaks.

The oil lines have rubber ends and are held to the water pump by a thin steel thing that it easily opened with a screwdriver. Widen the steel thing and pull the lines off the OMP nipples. Easy to do.

If you're good you can slide the waterpump housing far enough forward to reach a finger down there and wipe some sealant on the surfaces. Make sure the gasket is intact first. If it came apart, you'll need to make a new one out of similar thickness material or buy a new one. This requires the full removal of the waterpump to remove and install the gasket.

Rx-7Doctor

iTrader: (13)

Jeff, This is an Se. The lines do not attach to nipples as you know. They bolt onto the OMP with 4 seperate bolts.

Jeff20B

iTrader: (13)

D'oh! Thanks for correcting me.

85 FB

I was able to remove the 4 bolts and remove the housing. Thanks for the help.