I replaced the water pump gaskets on my 90 in Sept. All three of them... The one on the back, middle and the neck because it had a slow leak. I've only put about 25 miles on the car since and it's leaking again....?

I can't really tell exactly where because all the pulleys and such are in the way... but is there anywhere else in the waterpump / frontcover area that can leak coolant...?

Thanks.

Jimmy

 

How old is your water pump. Did you inspect it to make sure it doesnt have any cracks near the face where it mates up with the block? Did you make sure it was working properly...i.e. did it pump the way it was supposed to? And lastly...are you using a pressurized system or the normal cap system? Pressure could cause the new gaskets not to seat properly.

Curtis

p.s. Make sure you use the correct torque on the bolts and that its even all the way around.

 

Wow. I didn't torque any of the bolts except by what I thought was near overtightening and stop method.

I don't think there were any cracks anywhere. I scrapped off all the old gaskets real good in each sealing spot and don't remember. Next time I'll have to look REAL good.

I think I'm using a pressurized system...?? It's the stock Mazda cap.

The water pump is orginal. How do I make sure it's working correctly...? The car doesn't overheat... Is that good enough...?

Do you think the gaskets could seat themselves...? I really haven't driven the car at ALL. Mabey I should re-tighten each bolt.

Thanks. That was alot of good info.

 

From my experience, not with rx-7's, the gasket needs to seat. To do so it usually has to heat up a bit then you just need to retorque the bolts. If anyone thinks otherwise please set my straight. I'v only worked with a few cars and the people helping (mechanics) tell me to do so. Also..what kind of gasket are you using...i.e. factory replacement, did you make it yourself with high temp material...if you are not using any rtv sealant, i would definatly do that. Kind of like a buffer zone if you know what I mean. Please let me know how it goes.

Curtis

 

I just got done replacing my waterpump and what was leaking was not from the gaskets but behind the pully there is a little hole that I guess is designed to leak coolant when the gaskets that go around the shaft that spins the propellor, those I guess you cant replace, I just got a newer pump and put that on, now the problem stopped. it was leaking enough coolant out of that hole that I had to refill it just about every day.
also I was missing the tips off of all the propellor blades.. I think they just rotted away or something? so it needed replacing anyways.

 

huh... I guess I'd have to pull the pulley to check that one.

I need a new pulley anyways. The motor is a freshie fresh S4 rebuild with the 90 pulley. I was going to pickup the RB to correctly set the timing.

 

Having a pressurized system is solely dependant on the type of radiator cap you have...???