how hard is it to change the water pump in an SA?

 

Its not hard at all. Just make sure you spray all the nuts, take off belts, take off fan using a wrench(nothing else really fits) 10mm btw). Take off the Alt and your good to go. Just use some common sense please. If you dont wanna do alot of messing around or paint, then dont remove the housing around it, because theres a gasket on it thats liable to leak if not done right. you can take off just the pump from that though, just gotta take a little time. I would suggest to paint it with high temp engine paint to keep from rusting. Replace the thermostat btw, and make sure to get the gasket for it. Becarful, i had a hard time getting it off, but its all good now. If you happen to mess any parts up, I can try like hell to help you out as i have spare ones.

 

Make sure you use a genuine Mazda thermostat, not one from a local parts store.
There is a difference. Believe me, there is a difference.

 

alright thanks.

 

Couple of additional thoughts;
-you'll likely find the old gasket comes off the pump-to-pump body interface in narly bits. Make sure you get the old gasket scraped off. razor blade or putty knife should do it, or buy an actual gasket scraper, then
-when you apply the new gasket, run a thin bead of good old axle-type grease on the 2 mating metal surfaces, then apply the gasket. Not only does it hold the gasket in place whilst positioning the pump, but it will mean that this gasket will easily come off next time-
-likewise do the same for the thermostat gasket!
-torque specs!! The bolts that hold the pump on are only 14ft/lbs, which is very light!! DO NOT OVER-TORQUE!! rent/borrow/beg a torque wrench
Stu Aull
80GS
Alaska