Water Pump Replacement?

[ChronoGN]

Does anyone have a write up on water pump replacement? I have never messed with any of the engine accesories before so I don't really know how to remove the belt or anything.
I dont even know where the water pump is. Any help is appreciated.

[cboney2003]

The water pump is in the center of the front part of your engine. It has a round pulley that the serpentine belt goes around and I believe four bolts that hold the pulley on. Here's a decent explanantion for removing it (make sure you buy a water pump gasket and some coolant beforehand):

1. Drain the coolant.
2. Remove the serpentine belt. There is a tensioner pulley right below the alternator which tightens the stock belt, you need to find the appropriate socket to fit on the tensioner and push it down to loosen the belt, then just pull the belt off. Make sure you read the diagram on the radiator shroud if you don't know how to put it back on properly!
3. Remove the Radiator to Water Pump hose (from the right side of the radiator going to the motor near the ABS module.
4. Remove the four bolts holding the water pump pulley on (it's directly above the BIG pulley below which is the crank pulley and is to the left of the power steering pulley)
5. Remove the bolts holding the water pump onto the motor and store them in a bag.
6. Remove all traces of the gasket material where the old water pump was at.
7. Install the new water pump in the same location with the new gasket, don't reuse the old one. Replace all the bolts to hold the pump on.
8. Reinstall the water pump pulley with the four bolts.
9. Replace the radiator hose and use a clamp to hold it on tightly (stock clamp or aftermarket if needed)
10. Reinstall the serpentine belt.
11. Refill the engine coolant.

This is a very rough outline for the 3.8L V6 in a 96-97 bird and should include the newer ones, you need a manual to find the proper torque specs for all the bolts and for the fluid levels and misc procedures.

* All the directions I gave are from standing in front of the car and facing the motor, the ABS module is the silver funky looking thing near the stock intake area and the right side of the radiator.

Have fun! [img]graemlins/rock.gif[/img]

[ChronoGN]

Gonna try it today. Thanks and wish me good luck!

[96firebird311]

Good Luck! :D

One quick note, make sure you scrap ALL the old gasket off. I recommend a plain ol' razor blade and a wet rag. Wipe the rag along the gasket area. Once the gasket is a little wet, it will show up MUCH easier. Be careful not to scrap up the actual metal too much. It's actually pretty easy. [img]smile.gif[/img]