Review on Airtex AW9209 Engine Water Pump by Jaleel Kadlecik

Bought this pump to fit a '96 Honda Accord with new timing/balancing belts. The current pump had a small leak and as this car was bought used it had no service history or last timing belt change. I have changed SEVERAL Honda timing belts and water pumps and have NEVER had a problem with the pump. The O-ring is usually bulletproof, but not this time. I removed the old pump, cleaned the engine running surface and installed the new Airtex pump. I put everything back together and checked the motor. Soft start, smooth idle, new thermostat worked great, no leaks but dripping from under timing cover. Only one can leak there; new water pump. I watched a video on youtube where an experienced mechanic said that he always puts an extra bead of RTV sealant on the water pumps to compensate for any manufacturing variances (o-ring too small, "groove" too deep for the... O-ring, etc.). .) I felt it was unnecessary based on my experience, but I had to remove the new pump and do just that. It looks like the o-ring barely protrudes from the pump's mating surface. A layer of gray Permatex RTV liners was sufficient when the pump was reinstalled without further modifications. Tighten the 5 screws evenly without overtightening the screws to warp the cover. Just doesn't meet the usual Airtex standards. And it's a shame. If I had the time I would exchange or refund them and choose a GMB or Honda pump. But once you tear it apart, it's hard to wait days for a replacement. Bottom line: I got it working, but I really don't like what I had to do to seal it.