Questions about a potential find...
 

Hello all, forgive me if this is posted in the wrong section but I've found an 83 FB on Craigslist in extremely good condition: interior is 8/10, everything works electronically, it's mechanically sound save for a couple things I'm worried about. I'm fairly new to RX7s considering I've never owned one and one of these problems lie in the water pump. I need to replace a water pump to housing gasket that's apparently wearing out and causing a leak. The seller, who's owned 3 other rx7s, says I should replace it soon and that he was going to do so before he put it online. I found the part on Atkins Rotary for $13 and it seems like it would be a straightforward fix but I can't find any information on replacing this part ANYWHERE.
Long story short, I need to replace the water pump to housing gasket and was wondering if anyone here has experience with this.

Thanks in advance!

One thing I forgot to add, this car is a 1983 GSL with a 12A engine. Cheers!

Water pump is an easy job on these engines. Not like many modern cars where you can't even see the water pump!

You should replace not only the water pump gasket but the gasket between the water pump housing and front iron. This will ensure that there are no leaks up front. Replace the belts as well while you have them off and check the water pump for bearing play and noise. Also a good time to replace the thermostat and gasket. Use ONLY a Mazda brand thermostat. The Mazda brand gaskets are the best as well. Order those if possible.

One thing to be aware of is that there is one bolt which will have a thin metal wafer washer on it, toward the front housing side when you go to replace the gasket between the back of the water pump and the front of the front housing. This wafer washer is sized the same as a compressed gasket, and is in the only bolt which doesn't have gasket contact. If you forget to put the wafer washer where it belongs, when you torque it down, it will flex the water pump, causing a leak, which is far enough in that you can't see it. The coolant will run down the front housing and you'll think it's coming from the iron.

Something to be conscious of when you do the gaskets. They should be done together due to age and ease while you're doing the water pump. Also, I like permatex gasket maker -the black stuff - and would recommend putting a thin layer of that on any gasket that sees water or oil contact. Good luck,

What kind of belts are they specifically and where can I find new ones?

I like and recommend Mazdatrix in CA, because they ship fast and really understand the 1st Gen cars: https://www.mazdatrix.com/b9.htm

Not the cheapest belts, but when it comes to rotary engine cooling, you don't want cheap, you want reliable. Good luck, and reply back if you want some hands-on help,

You'll want to replace the alternator/water pump belt, air pump belt, and A/C belt if your A/C works.