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changing a water pump


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Shermanator
Anonymous Poster
shermanreed1@yahoo.com

Jun 14, 2006, 8:52 AM

Post #1 of 7 (2079 views)
changing a water pump Sign In

Anyone have any advice on changing a water pump in a 97 Plymouth Voyager? How difficult? Any diagrams available?


carjunky
Enthusiast

Jun 14, 2006, 12:07 PM

Post #2 of 7 (2074 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

normally a water pump is pretty straight forward to remove... The question is have you ever done any car repairs at all? since it will require that you don't over tighten the bolts on the fan...

normally on most cars the water pump is right behind the fan assemble, because it uses the spinning motion of the fan belts to move the water through the engine.


DanD
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DanD profile image

Jun 14, 2006, 2:23 PM

Post #3 of 7 (2070 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

What engine is in this Voyager?
There are four different ones available in 1997; 2.4Lt in-line 4 cylinder, 3.0Lt V6, 3.3Lt V6 and a 3.8Lt V6.
The 2.4 and the 3.0Lt’s the water pumps are driven by the timing belt, which makes changing the pump a lot more involved. The timing belt has to be removed to replace the pump; if you mistimed the belt during installation there a good chance of doing some serious damage to the engine.
If your van has the 3.3 or the 3.8Lt they are much simpler pumps to do, but you still have to be mechanically inclined not to get into trouble by overheating the engine.
These times are from a flat rate labour guide; they are based on what it should take (time wise) for a trained technician to perform this job.
2.4Lt – 3.8 hours.
3.Lt – 4.4 hours
3.0 & 3.8Lt – 1 hour.
Just by the allotted times you can see how much more involved the 2.4 and 3.0Lt’s are; a novice could easily double if not triple these times.
Dan.

Canadian "EH"






shermanreed
New User

Jun 14, 2006, 5:39 PM

Post #4 of 7 (2065 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

My engine is the 3.3. Although I am not a "mechanic", I am pretty mechanically inclined - I've done a fair amount of repairs. Anything tricky about this job?


DanD
Veteran / Moderator
DanD profile image

Jun 15, 2006, 4:12 AM

Post #5 of 7 (2063 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

Like I said the 3.3 & 3.8 are fairly easy pumps to do; get the replacement pump before you begin that will help you to see what to or maybe better said what not to remove.
Just a couple notes and things to try; use some form of non hardening glue to stick the water pump gasket/rubber seal to the pump; so that it will not slip out of position and become pinched or cut.
If you remove the plash shield in the right front wheel well it will give you a little more room to work.
Loosen the three water pump pulley bolts before you remove the belt. The belt will help hold the pulley still; this will also help on the install. Snug up the pulley bolts, install the belt then finish tightening the pulley.
When you go to refill the cooling system try disconnecting one end of a heater hose. (The highest/easiest one you can get at) This will allow air to escape from inside the engine as you’re filling the system at the rad. Just be ready to pop the hose on when the coolant starts to flow from the hose or its spigot.
This diagram isn’t much help as in showing the water pump but it may come in handy as a belt routing diagram for you.
Dan.


Canadian "EH"






Guest
Anonymous Poster

Jun 15, 2006, 6:05 AM

Post #6 of 7 (2059 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

Thanks, my friend!


carjunky
Enthusiast

Jun 15, 2006, 6:23 AM

Post #7 of 7 (2058 views)
Re: changing a water pump Sign In

Dan Great post... I was about four turn wheels off...






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