Water pump replacement

[kdog]

My water pump has begun to leak. I am also hearing what sounds like a squeeling bearing at higher RPMs, when under a load. Is whining under a load a symptom of a pump going bad or should I be thinking about other things (synchros maybe)? I have just replaced the timing belt, alternator belt, flushed the trans and changed gear oil in the dif. Trying to bring this thing back up to snuff.

Anyway, can the water pump be replaced without draining the cooling system and removing the radiator?

[mbouse]

too bad you lost the water pump right after replacing the timing belt. many of us recommend replacing the pump at the same time as the belt, even if there is no apparent issue with the pump; saves time later on, as you just discovered.

the whining and squealing noise is 98% certainly related to the pump. if she'sa leaking, she'sa prolly squealin' too.

pump replacement certainly comes with loss of coolant, and is easiest if the radiator is out. radiator removal/installation takes about 15-17 minutes .. tops.

[baltobernie]

One way to locate the source of the noise is to temporarily remove the water pump/alternator belt, start the engine and listen for noise.

If it's the water pump, they can be removed without removing the radiator. You will lose all the coolant in the engine and heater, though. And at that point, why not unfasten two more bolts, remove the radiator and give it a good hosing?

Be sure you order the correct pump for your engine size; they're all similar in appearance. And when reassembling, take care not to overtighten the vee belt, which can lead to premature water pump and alternator bearing failure. Oh, and you know to lever the alternator ONLY on the front of its housing, not the rear, right?

[kdog]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I am still low on the learning curve with these cars and you guys are a great help. I will post once the pump arrives and the job is done.

[So Cal Mark]

use the drain on the radiator to drain the cooling system, otherwise getting coolant on the t-belt will ruin it

[kdog]

Thanks. Will do. Any other recommendations before starting this project (i.e. pulley removal or refilling cooling system).

[kdog]

Job is done! It really was not that bad. I flushed the system, reverse flushed the radiator, and installed the new pump. With the book in hand, advise from the forum, and 4 hours of free time, everthing went smoothly. Thanks again for all your help. This forum is an invaluable resource. Its smooth sailin' from here on....., well, until the next problem arises.

[mbouse]

four hours?

actually, glad you were able to pull it off. the next challenge will be easier because of your success. congratulations.

[baltobernie]

Good job, KDog!

After another tank of fuel goes thru the car, loosen the timing belt tensioner and let it re-tension the timing belt. Snug down the nut. Wiggle the water pump/alternator belt; you may need to re-tighten it also, but not too tight. About an inch of slack, peak-to-peak, at the midpoint between the furthest pulleys.

You're now good for a couple of years!

[manoa matt]

A half inch of slack between pullys