attomica

Okay, my '91 Coupe has 130,500 miles on the stock, original engine and tranny. This thing has been stellar in it's performance and reliability except for one thing. The damn, cast pot-metal air pump bracket continues to fracture. I'm on my third one now and I even had it milled out of aluminum!

I can't fathom what would be causing this...the engine runs smoothly with no excessive vibration, the air pump's orientation looks to be true and proper and I've payed close attention to belt tension.

If anyone has suggestions, I'd like to hear 'em; if anyone has a spare air pump bracket to hold me over until the coming rebuild, I'd like to get it from you and, finally, if anyone has a way or suggestion to fabricate one with some super-strength in mind, I'd be glad to lay down some cash for it. I have a spare, unmounted one a fabricator could use as a model.

Yeah, I know some will say, "Use that spare one" but it's not mine. I borrowed it so I could have the current, broken one made.

Thanks.

Liquid Anarchy

iTrader: (2)

possibly the air-pump pulley isn't spinning "true"? Is it the same airpump through all the times it's broken the mount? If so, consider replacing it.

sunshine

iTrader: (3)

Perhaps it was (the airpump unit) was removed once upon a time (by another owner maybe?) and reinstalled incorrectly. There is a wierd spacer that goes inthe mounting location for the air pump. Perhaps it was left out and the airpump is vibrating during driving with the braket being the only thing holding it down.

Check at the base of the airpump if its sitting properly in its mount.

attomica

Thanks for your thoughts.

Yes it is the original air pump. That spacer you mention is still there. It's shaped like a "U" and is made of three laminated layers. I made a point of keeping it in there. I guess I'll have to think about replacing the whole damn air pump. It just doesn't make any sense, though.

Cheers!

make a titanium air pump bracket.

mazdized

I always have the belt some what loose. it is just an air pump and may be it will be squeaky but better than broken bracket.

Scott 89t2

???? that bracket is probably the stongest piece of metal on the car LOL it's huge and heavy

attomica

I thought about that too, but from what I understand the cooling fan also relies on that belt for proper operation.

Apparently it's not. Everything on the car has lasted beautifully except this damn bracket.

Mephis

titanium bends easyly, yes barstock, or tempered 1/8th steel