1.9L water pump help

[jmfoust]

1983.5 westy 1.9L

I'm having some trouble with a water pump installation. I spent yesterday removing the water pump for replacement. I followed the instructions per a list member's web site. After some challenging moments getting the old pump removed, I then had a few more challenges getting the new pump installed. The lower metal coolant pipe was difficult to attatch due the bolt alignment, but I was able to get it hooked up. The real issue now is the upper metal coolant pipe, (the one w/the o-ring). I can't seem to get the new o-ring to slide into the water pump. I have three different o-rings, and used a couple of different lubes to try to push it into the pump. Does anyone have some advice on how to get this in without bending the pipe? Each time I try, the o-ring gets pinched or pushes out aroung the tube.

jamie foust
des moines, iowa

[jmfoust]

I finally got the tube in yesterday (Saturday). I removed the tube to clean up the o-ring recess, and after staring at it for awhile trying to figure out why I was having so much trouble, I realized that there may not be enough room for the o-ring to expand when compressed in the housing. I carefully opened up the recess by bending back the outer lip of the tube - very little. This allowed me to use my fingers to push the o-ring in as I slid the tube into the housing. No leaks and no problems. I'll spend today bleeding the coolant system.

jamie foust
1983.5 westy
des moines, iowa

[Deep_Blue]

I had the same problem with the metal pipe, but my o-ring went right on tight and stayed that way, no leaks (from that area ).
Could they have given you an o-ring one size to large? I guess it's too late now, but just a thought.

That metal pipe is a major PITA. It looks like they could have used a normal rubber hose in that area, but went with two hoses and a pipe. Weird. Mine's dented to heck from the angry install. hah. I found that if you loosely put all bolts in, then tighten after they are all in place it works easier.

[deelanger]

It's an old post, but this may help someone else.
Re: the yellow o-ring that can be a real PITA to get in.
Try gently heating the area around the waterpump assembly where the pipe and o-ring fit into.
Once properly heated, the diameter of the assembly's hole expands enough to allow the tight fitting pipe and o-ring assembly to slip right in.

I use a propane torch set on low, but remember I said heat gently; you don't want to get it so hot as to damage the o-ring on contact.
Hope this helps.

[weinerwagen]

Been there done that many times....

I found silicon gasket douche as you slide that tube in, let it set up a bit....hope for the best

one of the many Vanagon better ideas that was corrected with the 2.1