Tacoma Water Pump Gasket

Tacoma Water Pump Gasket: Fodder for Prank Calls

Everyone is a comedian these days.

Everyone is a comedian these days. In the age of YouTube, all it takes is a smartphone, an internet connection and ample free time to produce a video that reveals your comedic stylings to the rest of the world.

Thanks to Google, a number of amateur comedians have figured out that a replacement water-pump gasket for a 1997 Toyota Tacoma looks, well, like a gentleman’s unmentionables. And boy are they pleased with themselves when they call an auto parts store to ask for a description of this unfortunately shaped replacement part.

Below is an example of a typical prank call, featuring Jake from “Redneck Rides.” The pimply-faced caller is particularly pleased with himself as he explains to the parts professional that he purchased a water-pump gasket from a competing store, but it “didn’t fit on right because it was completely the wrong shape.” He then asks the counter pro to describe the gasket, hoping for a phallic reference to titillate his dozens of viewers.

In all seriousness, if you’ve ever been on the receiving end of this prank call, we’d love to know how you handled it. And if you’re new to the parts profession, be aware that if someone calls asking you to describe a water-pump gasket for a 1997 Toyota Tacoma, it’s likely an amateur “comedian” trying to make you the butt of a dumb joke.

You May Also Like

Gaskets vs. Seals

Whether your customer asks for a gasket or a seal, you know one thing: They’re trying to stop a leak.

Gaskets and Seals

Terminology is one of the hurdles we face day in and day out in the automotive industry. It varies between automakers, parts suppliers, technicians and consumers. Gaskets and seals are some of those terms that are easily mixed up from time to time. So, what’s the difference between a gasket and seal, since they’re both designed to do the same thing?

Check the Part: Return Guide for CV-Joint Kit

Dorman offers these three tips to help to determine if it’s a valid warranty claim.

CV Joint Kit
Selling the Complete Brake Job

These simple guidelines will help you ensure that your customers have everything they need.

Brake Job
Getting to Know Driveshaft Couplers

This often-overlooked undercar part
ensures a smooth transfer of rotational motion.

Driveshaft Couplers
Solenoids: Energizing Motion

Automotive solenoids translate electrical impulses into mechanical movement.

Solenoids

Other Posts

Assault on Batteries

Even EV batteries aren’t immune to the effects of extreme winter weather.

EV Batteries
Why Do Spark Plugs Get Dirty?

Being able to answer this question can help prevent them from failing prematurely.

Spark Plugs
All Aboard the CAN Bus

With the proliferation of computer electronics, there were just too many sensors and wires.

CAN Bus
The Evolution of Automotive Fuel Systems

The frequency of changes has increased in recent decades.

Fuel Systems