Ongoing Waterpump Problems
 

Ongoing Waterpump Problems
Waterpump gasket is leaking again!

I've had to replace the small waterpump housing gasket twice in the past 3 months.
The first time I noticed it leaking, I took the waterpump housing off and replaced the gasket which was broken at the top. It ran fine without leaks for about 3 weeks, then I noticed another leak from the same spot.
The second time I replaced it the gasket was leaking from the same spot, I bought new studs, washers(including those thin spacers), bolts and nuts, and secured the studs into the front iron with plenty of red thread lock. This worked for about 2 and a half months now, but again today I find that it is leaking quite badly!
Is there anything that would cause this gasket to split at the same spot 3 times?

All of the spacers are in the correct place between the iron and the housing, all bolts and nuts were torqued correctly according the service manual, there are no cracks in the iron or housing, and I'm not sloppy with my repairs.

Thanks,

Charles

Are you using Mazda or aftermarket gaskets?

Did you thoroughly clean the gasket surfaces?

Torn gaskets generally indicate over torque. Are you sure your torque wrench is reading correctly?

Are you tightening the bolts in a staggered pattern?

Finally, are you using sealant on the gasket?

I am using mazda gaskets, tightening in a staggered pattern, and I have the same non-clicking torque wrench as you actually. I cleaned the surfaces with emery paper. I also posted this in the 2nd Gen. Specific section, and it seems the problem could be from not using sealant. I wasn't aware that sealant was needed on the mating surfaces so I'll try again using the Permatex Aviation Gasket Sealant No.3 wich was recommended to me in the other section. If you have a better suggestion please let me know.