Hi,

I had coolant leaking from the weep hole on my '98 contour gl 4 cly. and told this is a sign of a bad water pump. The dealer said the bill would be over $400, so I tried it myself.

I managed to get the serpentine belt off, and remove the pulley off of the pump, and remove the pump itself from the engine. The problem is the clearance. From above, the pump hits the fender well. From below, the pump hits the main drive pulley. The haynes manual mentions removing the coolant expansion tank, and removing the right hand engine support bracket to give enough access. But the manual is written genericly for contour 95-2000. In '98 an engine mod. occurred. So taking off the expanison tank and support will not help.
the pump does not his either the expansion tank, or the bracket when trying to take it out.

So, what's next? the main drive pulley turns each time I put a wrench on it. I need to secure it. I have an automatic, so putting in gear is out.
I have not found the starter. Someone mentioned sticking a screwdriver in the teeth of flywheel.

is anyone familair with this particular model? any advice would be appreciated.

thank you
dan

air gun