Does anyone have any idea how the water pump comes apart in order to powder coat? I imagine there's bearing and seals that wouldn't withstand the heat from baking. I've searched high and low without any results. Any help is appreciated.

 

It's not designed to come apart.

You're probably better served painting the surface with spray paint that matches or compliments the powder coat.

Dale

 

+1. And you can’t really see it once fully assembled anyway. A little paint can make it look fine.

 

How do you like that RaceOnly air pump eliminator pulley? Have you run it on your car yet?

 

IIRC there is a company making an aftermarket blade for the water pump, so they have likely figured it out? If anyone remembers who that is, contact them?

Maybe try Kroil fir a few days, or other good penetrating oil, and then heat and a wheel puller on the outside hub?

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Looks great painted black, may just end up purchasing a new one and just polishing it myself.


There's a member with a first gen that attempted to separate it with a hydraulic press, ultimately breaking the aluminum casting and going with paint himself.
https://www.rx7club.com/1st-generati...i-have-367550/

 

Mazmart sells a RE-Medy water pump that has an upgraded impeller. They figured out how to remove it - you would need a jig set up to do the job, a good hydraulic press, etc. They are also doing it on brand new pumps.

I wouldn't try it myself, the water pump is a CRUCIAL part of the cooling system and it's not worth compromising it for a powder coat job.

There are seals and bearings in there that the shaft rides on, that would be VERY easy to mess up and they aren't gonna be easily available.

Dale

 

And remember, the picture I posted is without the alternator and power steering bracket installed. You really can't see much of it. Not worth it unless you have a true show car.

And if you truly want to polish it, you can get to most of it without taking it apart. Anything you miss will be covered by the pulley.