Dave Gibson's procedure (thanks Dave) indicates that the whole water pump housing is to be removed. It seems to me that it is possible to remove only the water pump unit without removing the whole housing. Haynes procedure confirms. FSM's is similar to Dave's. Please comment. Newbie to the forum, so please overlook submission mistakes. - Also, any comments on best source for the two heater hoses?

 

I just put my water pump and stuff back on. You can remove the water pump without removing the housing. www.banzairacing.net has used fc/fd parts. You can probably get the heater hoses there used or get them new from NAPA.

 

The water pump impeller & such can be removed without taking the housing off.

However, you have to undo all the bolts attaching the housing to the engine. In the process of removing the impeller assembly, you'll *probably* knock the housing around enough to break the gasket seal between the housing and the front iron. So, you'll want to replace this gasket, which will require removing the entire housing.

It's safer to just pull the whole thing off. There's only one more gasket to replace.

-=Russ=-

 

I recently changed out my water pump, and was thankfully advised first of this possible problem. I was fortunate enough to not have to pull the housing. Its been a couple weeks now, and I recently changed thermostat, so I check daily. Luckily, knock on the wood, alls good. One suggestion: Change all belts while your there. Have to take them off anyway, might as well be smart.

PEACE THE DOG GOOD LUCK

 

Thanks, guys. My only concern about removing the whole housing is the possibility of disturbing the oil lines. As you know, they are quite fragile. If cracked and go un-noticed, a rotor could fry. What's worse? A water leak or an oil leak?

 

Good point. A water leak is going to be easier to know about (the coolant buzzer will alert you of a coolant leak - it's LOUD).

I'd say, just take the opportunity to go premix, but that's me.

-=Russ=-

 

I've seen several mentions about premix, but don't know anything about it. Where do I find a comprehensive description?

 

Search. Read. Grow old. Keep reading.

Basically, using 2-stroke oil in the gas (add at each fillup) instead of the stock oil injection system.

-=Russ=-

 

Russ, thanks for the info.