well, I just joined the ranks of Mazda ownership. Bought a 90 626 from a friend at work. Exterior and interior were exceptional. 170,000 miles. I paid a grand. I usually buy hoopties and fix them up. it is a family tradition. I have already had the AC vacumed out and recharged with R134. It is blowing Ice cubes. One more step and I am on the road. If I drive the car on highway, it stays below half, on the temp gauge. If I exit and start city, the gauge climbs at stops and falls as I get going. I have flushed the radiator and replaced the T-stat. I hoped that would be it. It still climbs high and I just noticed a small puddle below the engine, in the water pump side. I suspect the pump is bad and leaking. Has anyone changed one, how hard is it. I can get one for 39.95, and will do it, versus paying high dollars to a garage, but just curious as to anyone elses experiences/advice

This weekend I changed the timing belt on my 1991 626 and noticed the water pump could have been removed with just a few more minutes worth of wrenching. I left it alone because the previous owner had it replaced at the 60,000 mile timing belt change (now has 120,000) and the bearing felt ok. But it took me all day to R&R the timing belt so I may be sorry between now and 180K!

The water pump is a long process. If the vehicle hasn't had a new timing belt in a while, you may consider this to be beneficial and just suck it up.

Most likely this is too much work for one person with no lift. If you had some small pull ups you have to get the front end up in the air. It's a tough spot between the sidewall and the engine block.

Good luck if you do it. I know it was 2 days on my 91.

Those other dudes were way off man...Your engine fan is not kicking on. When you are at a stop, only your fan can pull air through the radiator...Thats why you are ok when on the highway....easy fix, probly a sensor...good luck.