I recently fitted a new cam belt tensioners, injector seals and aftermarket IMA water pump. Back together and warmed up fine with no leaks. Took it out to give it a thrashing to see if anything broke and when I got back and was reversing it into the garage I noticed a trail of water that was directly mid centre of the engine. It dripped for a bit after the engine was turned off then stopped. Its not the pump to side pipe flange joint and not the O ring seal (which was a new one) and its not a pipe joint leak.
I am sure its the water pump. It could be a faulty seal however I used a smear of Loctite silicone seal on the mating faces (plus the gasket) I can’t see why this would leak.
Was I wrong in using sealant as having checked MX5 forums and the interweb its not clear. Some use the paper gaskets only that come with aftermarket pumps, some say buy a metal gasket, some say use sealant only.
Any pointers as I have bought another from Doctor MX5 and am fitting it this weekend and don’t want the pain of stripping it all out again if I am doing something wrong
That is very, very unfortunate - to have done this job and then find a problem that effectively requires the whole job to be done again must be very annoying.
Given your situation, I would make absolutely sure that the problem is the pump or pump to engine mating face before undoing/redoing your work. If you are going to Dr MX5 anyway, get a second opinion.
I am sure Dr MX5 supplies the same kind of aftermarket water pump that I do.
They have a metal impeller and are supplied with the two gaskets and ‘o’ ring required to fit.
The gaskets fitted alone are good as long as the engine face is clean - there should be no need for silicone and I have not used it when doing this work. Having said that a smear of silicone, hylomar blue or similar would not do any harm.
Sold dozens of these with no problems but worth checking the pump carefully for slop or damage as you have possibly been very unlucky, ending up with a faulty part.
Thank you for the reply. I’ve been under the car and I cant see a leak from anywhere so looks like I will be busy tomorrow!!
PS: My posts may have inferred that the potentially faulty pump was from DoctorMX5 but it came with the car when I bought it (as did the cambelt kit) - the one I have now is from DoctorMX5. The other one is very very similar, almost indistinguishable (with metal impeller)