Aviator 902S

Yes, I've done a search to no avail.

So we're driving back to Calgary from NB (and from the New England states) in our 85 GSL 12a when our water pump packs it in about 20 km west of Thunder Bay, Ontario. I't a Saturday, and the Mazda dealerships keep banking hours. We've also been unsuccessful reaching RPM Motorsports except to leave a message and our cell phones (Fido) are useless here. I half-expect to get hit by a meteor momentarily.

Fortunately the motel desk clerk has kindly let me use her computer, and while NAPA, Parts Source and all other suppliers and wreckers came up empty, a local wrecking yard does have a pump--- from an '86 S4 T-II. Is this pump a direct swap into a 12a? I've removed the toasted one (and succeeded in not wrecking the pump housing seal--- the pump itself separated quite easily).

If this pump will work on 12a I'm in business today because the wrecker has gasket material that I could use to make a new gasket and be back on the road later today. Otherwise We're stranded here in Kakabeka Falls until the dealerships open tomorrow, and then who knows if they have the parts on hand?

One more question:

I've only ever used new gaskets when changing water pumps. And I usually have to also change the pump housing gasket because it usually lets go when removing the pump from the housing. The old pump gasket remained in one piece during the removal and would no doubt cause the pump housing gasket to break loose if I try to scrape the gasket off. Has anybody ever left the old gasket on and simply placed a new one over it with any degree of success? I don't want to use only the old gasket because I've heard too many tales of woe and leaks from those who tried.

R.P.M.

iTrader: (3)

Hey Brett, sorry about not getting your call yesterday. Kinda sucks you dont have a return number or I would have called you back.

The FC pump should work fine on your 12A. If your gaskets are still decent and not ripped I'd find a Napa or some other parts store and get a can of Permatex gasket tack spray. Its red really sticky stuff, works awesome for re-using gaskets.

I do have all the new gaskets you need here, but it would take until Tues to get to you at the earliest.

Aviator 902S

Thanks Joe, and I finally did get to see an S4 pump today. It didn't quite fit since the bolt closes to the crank angle sensor was in a lower location on the 2n gen 13B than on the 12A and (I suspect) the SE 13B engine.Also, the fan was held on by nuts and stds ratyher than through bolts.

I'll ask 84 Stock in Calgary to ship me his tomorrow if all fails at Mazda parts department. Time is critical so I can't wait until Tuesday.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

I feel bad for mocking you last week in asking if the car will accually make it.


BUT, at probably the same time your waterpump blew on your car, Mine did too!!

Aviator 902S

LOL. And that's not all--- in NB my (stock) muffler packed it in, and we were forced to slap on a cheap Walker brand to get us home. The car backfires quite noticably when shifting at high revs, and that new muffler, while still functional, looks like someone inside it has been trying to punch and kick their way out. There are some alarming bulges and creases in it after only four full days of use. Things might get a little loud before we get home, but I have a decent stock muffler at home in the garage to replace it with.

I'm going in to the local Mazda dealership tomorrow at 9am to try and scare up a new pump. Failing that, I'll be making an urgent call to Gary to ship me the one he has from an SE--- assuming it is the same as the 12A pumps. Can anyone confirm this?

The kicker is that I have a 12A water pump in my garage (under lock and key) that has less than two years' use on it. If I don't need it after replacing mine You can have it if you wish--- in place of that rad I gave you that turned out to be a dud.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Wont need the pump, Im going TII TII is different. I also have my exhaust too, which works but I dont need it.

As for the 12A, I know the 13B N/A waterpump housing and waterpump will work on the 12A, as I ran one for years, but the 13B pump in the 12A housing, Im uncertain.

Your in Ontario you say, you should be in luck. I regularily get overnight parts from toronto so getting them for you shouldn't be a problem.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Also forgot to mention that new gaskets were only like $3. Obviously highly recommended. Maybe throw in a T-stat too.

Aviator 902S

Thanks S, but since Mazda didn't have a pump in stock and gave me a lead time of Wednesday at the earliest I pushed the panic button and Gary has now overnighted the part this morning. I should have it by tomorrow (Tuesday) morning sometime and be on the road tomorrow afternoon.

I also have the proper gasket material, a pair of scissors, hi-temp silicone--- and all the time in the world to make a new gasket using the old pump as a template. And I replaced the thermostat last month.

Alak

iTrader: (9)

Wouldn't be an adventure without a mishap!

When are you targetting to be back?