Maz has had a birthday! We got the new water pump. Same problem as at Fitzroy Crossing... the pulley flange is 10mm too close to the base. Last time we had no choice but to press it out. This time the flange is steel, not cast iron. Probably a shrink fit... freeze the pump, heat the flange, press together. Hence we will have a spacer made and not mess withe the new (genuine) pump.
The busted pump is in perfect condition, bar a few nicks and missing flange. The shaft is unmarked, seriously harderned steel. Just needs a new, steel flange... Peter at McBurnies has made a spacer which does the trick, and a new flange for the old pump, just needs fitting - a spare.
Bus put back back together at Wunghnu, and off home. Katamatite the temperature gauge flicked and died. Stopped for a look... engine is cool and the coolant still inside, where it belongs so continue home.
Next day alternator removed to re-bush the pivot. Getting the mount off, again requires dropping the air conditioning pumps. 17 bolts in all!! Ah, ha can now find the temp sensor... It's not there! The wire and connector floating in mid air, and can now see the aluminium end cap in the head and about 4 threads. Maybe was knocked during head works, or removed-replaced... I suppose that the aluminium cup is not screwed in, just seized/jammed.
Lucky it stayed put. I will seek a replacement before deciding what to do. And so it goes... or rather doesn't!
