Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Zetec Maintenance Zetec Water Pump Replacement?

Guys,

Anyone ever replaced a Zetec water pump? My finace's '95 (137K miles) has been running way hot and nearly overheated the last few days. Replaced the thermostat and got the same problem. Fan is working properly as well...

Need a judgement call on how hard this will be, what needs to come off, and if I need any special tools..

Thanks,

DellMan
(CEG Newbee)

I've done it, but only after pulling the whole engine out. It's probably a pretty awkward job. You may have to remove the timing belt to get at the pump. I don't think it needs any particularly weird tools.

passenger wheel, lower splash guard, serpentine belt, W/P pulley, crank pulley then water pump. Those all have to come off, the coolant should be drained before hand though. Thats basic instructions but I have the Ford CD-rom from 98 if you want that full run down.

We did it when replacing the timing belt.
The whole thing took us 10-12 hrs (my friend used to work as a mechanic 10yrs ago, never worked on contours, and I mainly watched him working).

It was not easy, there's awfully little access with the engine in the car. We agreed not to do it next time... :rolleyes:

T.

hummmmm I wonder if mine might be heading south on me... last tuesday at the track I was sitting inbetween a and l on normal and it has been sitting close to that since 10hours to do geee I can't wait to have to do that...

WP alone shouldn't take you 10 hours Joe...unless Hector helps. The clearance is very tight though...the bolts to the WP pulley reside less than one inch from the frame/fender of the car.

ROTFLMAO

HUMMMMM maybe I should change out the timing belt and maybe some cams and cam gears while I got things apart

I had my water pump replaced last year (April) same time as timing belt. Garage time is 3.5 hours as I recall. Just had it done again this last April, under warranty (had to pay the labour )
You're supposed to remove the valve cover and lock the cams , although you can do it without doing this, saving the cost of a new valve cover gasket (mine was $45 Canadian~which is probably $15US!!!! )

I enjoy working on cars, but I'm sure glad I didn't go near this job!
Good luck.

BTW, my temp. gauge has been up in the A/L range recently also, and I was considering a 180F thermostat. Has anyone tried this out yet? Do after market thermostats with out the air bleed work okay?

DellMan, I would look at a coolant flush before looking into the pump, unless you're getting seapage or screaming bearing noise (indicates bearing failure!!! ) I think I may look into a flush on my car as well as doing my thermostat.

Will check with a mechanic soon and keep you posted.

Damn right Joe works with tools and still don't know how to use them. :p

I don't work with them I sell them DUH!!!!

like:
ratchet is for hammering things in place.
screwdriver is for prying thing.
Pliers are for removing the oil drain plug.
not sure how to use any other tools :p

OOH wait that's how people use their craftsman tools I forget how you really are suppose to use them.