Hey guys - quick question about my '85 S (though I'd imagine it's the same for all 12A cars).

The bolt that holds the air pump bracket to the front of the engine (the one which goes directly over the lower radiator hose) - does it serve any other purpose? i.e. if I remove it to get the bracket out of my way, is the water pump housing going to start leaking coolant or anything?

Thanks!

 

It will not leak. It only goes into the front of the water pump housing.

 

Awesome, thank you

 

nice paint job.

 

Thx - It's powder coated.

 

As stated, you won't leak coolant.

Will the water pump gasket seal well to that powder coat? What about the internal coating left over I can see in there, won't that impede flow somewhat? I know it'll be minuscule, and the stuff won't flake off due to heat, but what about concerns with the acidity of antifreeze eating away at it over time?
Just spitballing here, curious is all.

 

I noticed that as well, I would have masked off the mounting surface and only coated the exterior.

 

This was just a test. On the one I used, S4 conversion, I did not powder coat the mating surfaces. I did coat the interior though. It's baked on at 400 degrees and isn't going anywhere. You can't even sand blast the stuff off. I have to use really strong epoxy stripper. The stuff the burns if you get it on your skin.