change the water pump w/o timing belt removal?

[fowljesse]

Hey, gang. I'm changing my water pump, but don't need to do anything else because this summer, I'm going to change the cams, and a lot more. I just need to get it going again. I've done the whole job, but don't remember the setup well enough to know if I can *just* change the w/p. If I have to remove the timing belt, I'll just do everything now. Thanks for your knowledge!

[wytbishop]

I believe you can remove the pump without removing the timing belt with some finaggling (sp?) but it's already such a hassel with the engine in the car that I'd remove it anyway just to get it out of the way I think. I guess I'd have to look at it with the timing covers off and go from there.

[Redline322]

It isnt very hard with the belt still on, just do the same steps you would to remove the belt cover and then just unbolt the bolts for the water pump. You do have to wiggle it around a bit to get it out and the new one back in place, but it's definately less work than removing the belt and resetting the timing.

[davmac]

Haven't done the water pump without removing the timing belt, but it looks possible. No water pump bolts are covered by the tb or pulleys, but the engine mount bracket would definitely get in the way. So you will still have to remove and move all the accessories to get the timing covers off and I think you'll want to remove the front engine mount and bracket so you'll need to support the engine. My guess is you'll save a little time but if all you need now is a water pump it may be worth it. The picture at this link shows what you're up against. At least you can see all the water pump bolts.

[crazycanadian]

If its possible or not isn't the biggest problem you have with this... When it comes to doing the water pump you'll have coolant spilling out, last thing you want is that coolant all over your timing belt.. Over time it will deteriorate the belt and cause premature failure...

[Ryan]

Its possible, and I wouldn't worry about the coolant. The belt isn't made of silk, it can take some abuse. I'd prefer coolant over oil on it though.

[fowljesse]

Thanks, everyone. I'm getting into it now..

[Mikey_D]

Yes you can change the water pump without removing the timing belt. You just have to wiggle it out. I have done it a couple times already (bad new waterpump the first time). I recommend putting a alittle tiny hole in your timing cover so you can see how the belt looks from time to time. You can always cover the hole with black tape. You don't even notice it.

[BornSticky]

ya you can! have fun!

[fowljesse]

Yay! It's done. I just had to put a tiny dot of silicone every few inches in the groove to keep the rubber ring in place as I finagled the pump into place.