Tips for water pump replacement?

[jayro88]

I will be replacing the water pump this weekend on my '88 E250 7.3. It doesn't look overly complex, but I was wondering if you guys had any tips to make it easier or anything that I should look out for?

My biggest concern is frozen/rusted fasteners. When I did my thermostat the bolts were very rusty and took a lot of time working them back and forth to get them out without breaking them off. Should I expect this in my water pump bolts? I know a broken bolt can make a 1 hour job into a 2 day job. Thanks

 

[mblaney]

When removing the fan it is reverse thread. Don't drop it into the rad or you will be replacing it also!

When putting the fan back on it is still reverse thread, put a little locktite on it (blue) so it does not come off! Don't drop it into the rad or you will be replacing it also

 

[79jasper]

Someone suggested putting cardboard between the fan and radiator.

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[sassyrel]

Someone suggested putting cardboard between the fan and radiator.

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yes I did, long ago...you only make the mistake,,,once!!!!!!

 

[sassyrel]

I will be replacing the water pump this weekend on my '88 E250 7.3. It doesn't look overly complex, but I was wondering if you guys had any tips to make it easier or anything that I should look out for?

My biggest concern is frozen/rusted fasteners. When I did my thermostat the bolts were very rusty and took a lot of time working them back and forth to get them out without breaking them off. Should I expect this in my water pump bolts? I know a broken bolt can make a 1 hour job into a 2 day job. Thanks

the upper two bolts are shorter,,,if the long ones get put in,,oh oh.....

 

[icanfixall]

Too bad your not close enough to the dog catchers shop. He likes doing van water pumps. Honestly I have never done a water pump on a van but it looks like close work. Might need to remove the front of the van and the radiator to reach in easier to the pump.

 

[riotwarrior]

FYI

Now is a great time to replace thermostat with a NEW MOTORCRAFT OR IH replacement. Do not use cheap knockoffs just Ford or IH...that is if it has not been done lately.

There are some tech articles but they are geared to trucks...same info just adapt to van.

JM2CW

 

[FordGuy100]

Don't over torque. My top two stripped out and I had to tap for metric.

 

[IDIoit]

the last time I replaced my waterpump, I got it all back together, nd the coolant inlet neck started to leak.

along with the thermostat, change the coolant inlet neck gasket.
the bottom bolt issa pain, but do-able..

while the coolant is out, may be a good time to do the oil cooler too.

 

[FORDF250HDXLT]

the upper two bolts are shorter,,,if the long ones get put in,,oh oh.....

thats the one i was gunna say.

Now is a great time to replace thermostat with a NEW MOTORCRAFT OR IH replacement. Do not use cheap knockoffs just Ford or IH.

http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-RT1049-190F-88C-Thermostat/dp/B000C5FSC8

 

[Runningaford]

Too bad your not close enough to the dog catchers shop. He likes doing van water pumps. Honestly I have never done a water pump on a van but it looks like close work. Might need to remove the front of the van and the radiator to reach in easier to the pump.

I got to do my first water pump when on a 6.9 e350 van; it was a pita; anything up front was by feel alone, and a lot of mirror time, lol.

 

[jayro88]

Thanks for the pointers. I will definitely put some cardboard between the radiator and the fan.

I just replaced my thermostat with a Ford one last September, so it should still be good. I got new hoses to go on during the job. Anyone know what size wrench I need for the fan clutch? I know I can get a kit from the parts store that fits okay, but not great. I have a feeling ts not up to the job.

This also gives me a chance to replace my high idle/cold advance sensor that I have had for 1.5 years.

 

[TahoeTom]

There are four bolts that require thread sealant. They go through the timing cover.
The fan clutch nut is 1 15/16. The hard part is keeping the pulley from turning. The factory tool is like a huge crow foot wrench that goes around the four pulley bolts. In practice the pulley bolts don't stick out far enough to get a great grip on them. I find it to be a juggling act while kneeling on the radiator support. It helps to smack the wrench on the nut with a hammer.

 

[79jasper]

Haha have fun with the fan clutch.
Best I could say is don't go cheap. Just buy the air hammer attachment.

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[sassyrel]

There are four bolts that require thread sealant. They go through the timing cover.
The fan clutch nut is 1 15/16. The hard part is keeping the pulley from turning. The factory tool is like a huge crow foot wrench that goes around the four pulley bolts. In practice the pulley bolts don't stick out far enough to get a great grip on them. I find it to be a juggling act while kneeling on the radiator support. It helps to smack the wrench on the nut with a hammer.

see the four bolts in this pic, to apply permatex to??????? D O N T get carried away tightening them...they go into the separator plate between the pump and the block. and it aint very thick steel....