Hello fellow Fiero owners! I have a 1985 SE with a stock 4 Cyl engine. Last year I had to replace the water pump housing, because it was cracked and licking coolant. This year same thing, thanks to the Fiero Factory I had the housing replaced with an used one. But does anyone know if this is a common problem with the Fieros? My car is stock, so I have not lowered the car, and I have not gone over speed bumps or something that would justify cracking the water pump housing twice. I am afraid if it happens again, I might not be lucky and my car may not run anymore. And by the way, does anyone knows if there is something that can be done to fix a cracked water pump housing, the housing is made of aluminium, so I do not know if this can be soldered or repaired somehow. Or if there is a replacement made of a different more durable material? Thank you for your help!
Aluminum can be welded just fine if the person knows what they are doing. My opinion is TIG for aluminum. I'm not familiar enough with the 2.5 to give any other info. Someone will be though.
Aluminum can be welded just fine if the person knows what they are doing. My opinion is TIG for aluminum.
Yes, many aluminum alloys can be GTAW (TIG) welded, but warping is often a problem. In the case of a water pump you also need to keep the rubber seals cool while welding. It's just not cost effective to try to weld a cracked water pump, especially when you can buy a new (not rebuilt) one (85 Fiero 4-cylinder) with a lifetime warranty from Rock Auto for less than $25.
[This message has been edited by Marvin McInnis (edited 07-29-2013).]
Thank you for the replies, just want to clarify, it is not the water pump, the water pump is fine, the cracked part is the water pump housing, the cover that protects the water pump. This part is no longer manufactured by GM and I have not been able to find it anywhere. Like I said, the Fiero Factory, is shipping me the used part, pulled from another Fiero, but this is the second time this has happened to me. Once I get the replacement, I will try to find a welder and see if he can repair the cracked one, to have as spare. But it looks like I am the only one that has encountered a repetitive problem with the housing being cracked. Thank you for your help, Nilmar
... just want to clarify, it is not the water pump, the water pump is fine, the cracked part is the water pump housing, the cover that protects the water pump.
Old parts could crack because: Weak/no coolant... either freezing, corrosion, or both. You getting Used part etc. Missing brackets etc. What I've seen, GM uses steel bracket(s) to support the Al parts. I don't have 84-86 to check. WP is warped cause uneven load on the housing. Uneven Torque on bolts for WP or Block can warp/stress Al parts.
------------------ Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should. (Jurassic Park)
Thank you all for your help, I will publish a picture of the cracked part for you to see, However it probably will happen this coming Saturday, as I have a friend that will help me replace it then. Thank you