hey i have an 86 GXL that has an oil leak. i found the problem the front cover gasket is sticking out... so now on to the questions

1. to take the front cover off i need to remove the oil pan. to do this with no engine lift i need to put a jack with a piece of wood underneath to support the engine. is this correct?

2. i also need to remove the eccentric locknut correct? before i remove this i should line up the dent in the pulley with the thing that sticks out of the front cover and depress my clutch to prevent the bearing from dropping right? also how do i get this off? i have heard it puts up quite a fight and have read the technique were you get a long wrench breaker bar setup rest it against the side of the bay and crank for a second but i do not have a tool long enough to do this are there any other ways?

3. i have noticed that some of the electrical connections i have unplugged had pretty crappy wires how would i fix this? cut/pull the bad wire section off/out and then cram/solder a new wire in/on?

4. my friend who was helping me managed to break a vacuum hose and i decided i might as well replace all of them while i am there. i know i need 13ft of 3.5mm and 6ft of 6.0mm but how many hose clamps do i need?

5. finally can i just use blue silicone to reseal the water pump or do i need to buy gaskets as well. also is this water pump reusable?

pic of water pump



close up



source of leak




thanks!

 

I'll try to remember!

1 I took my oil pan and front cover off at the same time. I think you do have to take the oil pan off to take the front cover off. I used a 2x4 peice of lumber running from fender to fender. I used the bolts the hold down the intercooler and wrapped a chain around the lumber. I also jacked the engine up a little right before. I think I used a small peice of wood and my contact point was the motor mount.

2 The main bolt I used a small propane torch and an electric drill. Some need compressed air. While your there replace the thermo pellet thing.

3 That could work

4 Just buy a box of them cause you may use more down the road.

5 The gasket it cheap and you should use both gasket and sealer. Why not replace the waterpump if it is the original. Might as well replace a 20 year old part. But if YOU know it's been replaced then reuse it. Just make sure you clean the back of it so it's a flat surfice for reinstall.

 

Might want to read this:
http://mazdatrix.com/faq/pulley.htm

 

Thanks!

using a chain and 2x4 is a great idea and i will definitely shim the thermo pellet.

thanks for the link already read it though

any marks i should make or things i should line up before i take the front cover off?

anybody else got tips for fixing decaying wires?