Auto Repair 101: Changing Your Water Pumps

Before starting on the job, comply with the following first:

- Read the instructions. Be sure you have better understanding of what you read.

- Assemble all materials so that it would save you time.

- Always practice safety and precautionary measures.

- Keep everything out of reach of children to prevent accidents.

- Never work while the engine is hot.

- Your jack must always have proper support.

- First compare your old water pump with the new one before connecting it.

Emphasized well, let's get down to business.

Removing The Water Pump From Your Engine

1. Be sure that your coolant has been drained from your radiator. Put the old coolant in a receptacle to keep it away from your pets.

2. Move the fan shroud inward to be able to remove the fan and its clutch. Unscrew the bolts and keep it someplace safe. If you notice that your fan clutch has dents or cracks, replace it. Repairing it won't do you any good.

3. Remove other accessories hindering the water pump to make it accessible. The components include the air compressor, steering pump, alternator and belts. Remove anything that blocks your way from getting through the water pump. Your wires can be eased away or cleaned but don't disconnect them.

4. When you have all those out of your way, you can disconnect the bolts attached to the water pump but take a good picture of how it looks so when you return it, you'll have an idea. You can now remove the pump out of your engine. Do it with ease. If it's giving you a hard time, maybe, there's still a bolt that wasn't disconnected. After removing it, you can clean the surface mounting the engine.

Installing The New Water Pump

1. Smoothly insert the new pump into the area where the old one was removed. Seal it tight and make sure it fits the spot. Reconnect the bolts placing it back to their positions. Give it a quick spin. Do not over tighten the bolts.

2. Replace the hoses.

3. Put the components. After checking its tightness, close the drain and fill in the mixture.

4. Connect the detached cables starting with the positive ones. Start your engine to check for leaks. If nothings wrong, install your radiator cap.

To check for any loose components, let your engine run for 10 minutes then turn it off. Recheck the tension, if necessary, tighten. Check the coolant level. If this doesn't satisfy you, take your car for a drive around your neighborhood.