Water-pump Change out ( 3A motor )

[scouttster]

Hey guys been awhile since I have been on. Seems the tercel hatchback has developed a water leak coming from the water-pump gasket or the weep hole... Not sure. I have the water-pump on order, and wont be here for a few days. My Question -I'm wondering how entailed the job is? Does the crank pully and timing belt have to come off? Can I sneak this off and out from behind the belt? No big deal if I have to deal with the belt coming off, but I'm hoping I dont have to mess with the crank pulley. Also, this is my only transportation right now and I desperatly need this car for a business transaction tomorrow. I need her to give me about 75 miles tomorrow. Because the leak is slow I have been just topping her off.. But, how predictable is a bearing failure when this type of leak happens?

[marlinh]

You can sneak the pump off from around the belt. Just pull off the upper cover. Be careful not to disturb the housing the pump bolts to. It seals to the block with an o ring. If it hasn't been done for years, the o ring will be in bad shape. You do not get one with the water pump (at least not where I live) It may cause you problems. To check if the bearing is bad grab the pulley and see how much play is in the bearing, loosening the belt may help to tell. Rotate the pulley by hand and see if it feels rough to turn. From there it is a judgement call. How much coolant are you losing? There is no guaranteed answer. Sometimes they can go for months. If the weep hole is leaking you can usually see a stain or discolouration below it. Check with a mirror if you can't get under the car.

[dlb]

in my experience, i've heard water pump bearings going over the course of several days to a week. with that in mind, i would say that if it's just a slow leak right now and you haven't heard any bearing grinding/growling/squealing, you're most likely fine. just bring water/coolant with you to top it off as you go.

[Petros]

I have found a new water pump lasts about 100k miles, do not waste time with a remanufactured one (might last one year, not worth it). It is an easy swap out, only takes about 30 min. easy access, just remove the belt, pully, upper cover and you can remove it. You will need 10mm socket and open end wrench, and a 12 mm socket and ratchet handle. And something to catch your coolant when you drain it before you remove the water pump.

Good luck.

[ARCHINSTL]

And hit the associated threaded items with a blast of PB Blaster or similar - but clean those areas beforehand. Mine were a PITA to loosen a couple of years ago, just to switch belts.
Tom M.

[North of 64]

And hit the associated threaded items with a blast of PB Blaster or similar - but clean those areas beforehand. Mine were a PITA to loosen a couple of years ago, just to switch belts.
Tom M.

I'll bite: what is PB Blaster? Would that be Liquid Wrench in Canada?

[dlb]

you're correct, N64. pb blaster is actually available here though and while i was skeptical, it is amazing. far superior to any other similar product i've tried.

[ARCHINSTL]

PB Blaster is MUCH better than Liquid Wrench - I'd really try to find it.
Even better, but pricier - is Kroil. http://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubb ... ber=215171
It's only available direct from the manufacturer in TN. Might contact it and see if there is a Canadian distributor.
http://www.kanolabs.com/google/ The preceding is a Killer Google Deal - 2 cans for $12 plus $6 postage. The regular site is http://www.kanolabs.com/
I usually use PBB and reserve the Kroil for the really tough stuff.
Tom M.

[Jarf]

Something to keep in mind, if you haven't already acquired your new pump.
It is still available from the dealer, 2 years ago, it was actually less than new A/M.
But it comes as the complete housing (including the back half)
Much better (easier) repair in my mind.
Grab a new by-pass pipe and seals while you're at it, and you won't have any nasty surprises once you get knee deep.

PB blaster is available at CTC.
They also carry Seafoam penetrating oil (spray) that is just as good, sometimes better.
Liquid wrench sucks.

[Petros]

The best penetrating oil is actually ATF by a long way. Tests done by Machinery magazine on large rusty pipe fitting show ATF beats them all. And if you are like me, i have jugs of used AFT sitting around anyway, so it is "free". ATF can be hard on paint and rubber parts, so be careful where you use it.

In the states NAPA sells a new Tercel water pump for about $35, with a lifetime warranty. I would suspect this is less costly than the dealer. I have had good luck with them and well worth it, the remanufactured ones are $29, hardly worth the savings.

[splatterdog]

Something to keep in mind, if you haven't already acquired your new pump.
It is still available from the dealer, 2 years ago, it was actually less than new A/M.
But it comes as the complete housing (including the back half)
.

And it's not going to be Chinese crap! Unless it's old stock, that's what you will get with aftermarket pumps these days.