water pump replacement

[EricT]

ok, so I have all but one of the bolts loose for the water pump pulley. what is the easiest way to get that last bolt loose? no one in town has the spanner wrench. i'd like to get this done today since I have other things on the list that need to get done.

[CW]

I have done it with a strap wrench, and by sticking a long screwdriver in between the studs to keep the pulley from spinning.

[EricT]

thanks man, I got it

[martin]

EricT,

My one manual gave me a very important tip. When removing the water pump they suggested you break torque on the pulley bolts BEFORE you remove the fan belt. The fan belt will hold the pulley still.

The process is the same tighten them once the pump is attached and the belt it off then torque them to the final value when the belt is installed.

[XJDanny]

Martin has it right! I've replaced 3 water pumps and never used a spanner wrench. Just loosen the bolts before loosening tension on the belt. Works great. After mounting the pump, you can then torque the pulley bolts to spec after applying correct belt tension. By the way, a Gates Cricket belt tension guage is a great inexpensive tool to monitor correct belt tension. You can get one at your local parts store which carries Gates belts and hoses . Get them to order one for you (~$12) if they don't have one in stock.

Good luck Eric! The job is not too bad and can be done in a couple hours.

[EricT]

yeah, a couple of hours, if I could get that heater tube loose from the old water pump. I really need a vise

[Wayne Sihler]

No ,you need to go get a new one.You will probably twist it off before it comes out.
Wayne

[EricT]

thanks, but I got it out. I did not know I could get a new one.

[Anthropy]

A new heater tube runs about $20. Dealer item only. I you happen to break it, the threads are national pipe and not meteric. That is if you need to come up with a quick solution.

[EricT]

thanks, got it on with no problems.....yet