I'm actually not sure what it's called. But while I was replacing the coolant temp sensor on the back of what I assume contains the water pump, the sensor literally broke off. The threaded part of the sensor, as well as the metal coating that goes around the wires, remained in the housing...and the rest of it, well...didn't. What it should look like, and what it does look like:





Sorry for crappy pics but I think you get the idea. Any suggestions? I don't want to buy a new housing if I don't have to, but I don't want to risk drilling it out either, though I can't see any other options at this point. Has anyone else had this problem? Oh and if I need to buy a new housing, can I get one from one of the rotary shops, or should I just put a wanted ad up on here? Thanks in advance.

 

I think a needing a new housing is premature. But you'll have to remove it before seeing what can be done to get what's left of the sensor out.

 

Just take the housing off and drill it out. It's not in there with much torque. You should be able to drill a hole in the center and use a ez-out on it without a problem.

 

If you are not comfortable drilling and tapping it yourself, take it off and take it to a machine shop.

 

def try and take it out yourself first... machine shop seems a bit much as i think you can pick up a used one very cheap on the forum... i just picked on up for 20....

 

i had to take off my water pump housing after i accidently snapped an OMP line. its not too hard. just don't mix up righty tighty lefty loosey like i did

 

Personally, any broken bolts I would use a drill to drill it about half an inch to 2/3 of an inch deep and use a left hand drill bit (tapered) to remove the broken part in the housing.

This is very easy and definately something you would want to try and experience so when something breaks next time, you will be able to take care of it yourself =].

Good luck.

-AzEKnightz

 

Use a left hand drill bit and then use a extractor to remove it. Should be really easy as the brass does not seize very often.

 

Thanks for all the help guys! Started trying to take the water pump housing off tonight. Rotary engines keep surprising me haha. It looks like I can't get it off without taking the whole pulley assembly off...or at least the one the alternator bracket attaches to...even though the water pump only has one pulley, the alternator bracket (and the pulley system it mounts to) is in the way. Good learning experience I guess. Anyone more knowledgeable know if all that is really necessary? Maybe my car is just weird...the air pump is gone, I know that...

 

FYI, you may be able to find a used thermostat or waterpump housing here on the forums. I think CrispyRX7 is selling a blinging polished one right now. Search and you'll find a few options.

Good luck.

 

I have a Water Pump Housing in excellent condition, 40 shipped, and a sensor in equal condition as well, 30 shipped.. let me know if you need em...either or. i'll ship out tomorrow. Paypal is cky2a061616solid@yahoo.com

 

So I made some progress, but I still can't figure out what to do, aside from taking the entire power steering assembly off. Which I don't really want to do, though now that I'm thinking about it, I'm considering getting rid of it and just looping the lines.

Started out like this, already removed alternator and main pulley:



You can see how that pump housing hits on the lower arm of the alternator bracket. So I removed that black pulley, then pulled that bolt out. By doing that, you can tilt the alternator bracket, but it's still not enough room:



I want to just remove the bracket entirely but it's impossible to put a socket or a wrench on the one bolt holding it on. What am I missing here?? Am I looking over something simple or what?

 

The alternator tensioner support has to come out. I think the bolt head that your having trouble accessing in the picture is fixed/welded to the support. It doesn't move. You remove the nut from the other end, on the passenger side of the PS bracket. It's tight but do-able. IIRC, I used a flex-head ratchet-wrench, but however you can get on it.
I don't think you need to remove the tensioner pulley.
Be sure to oder up a new gasket and since your that far, it might be time for a new T-stat with the new coolant.