Need to change 2001 Caravan SE Water Pump

[fatjoey666]

Hey Guys,

I could use any and all help/secrets to changing the water pump on a 2001 Caravan SE 3.3 Flex fuel. Thanks so much!

[Bear]

Go to the Auto Zone website, register (it's free) and then add your car, go to repair info, then repair guides, and then engine cooling and there you will find text and illustrations for the job.

[fatjoey666]

Thanks Bear! I'm gonna do the job tomorrow morning. Doesn't look too bad....miserably tight in there but what else is new with modern day vehicles. It's a shame too, I just changed a leaky heater hose and put brand new anti-freeze in just to have it all leak out when the pump went. Sucks!!!!!

[DirtRaceFan79]

Just make sure you have a prybar of some sort to slightly pry engine away from the passenger side of the body to gain enough clearance to pull the pump/pulley assembly out together.

This is much more important when putting the new one in because if you let pressure off before its in place, the plastic impeller of the new pump will get wedged between the timing cover and body, and may crack, and that will ruin your day once you think you've got the job done and it overheats from no flow.

[fatjoey666]

Thanks buddy! I read that somewhere else too. I guess I can take the 2 motor mount bolts loose so prying the engine will be a little easier.

[b1lk1]

I get to do this job on Tuesday as well. I replaced my radiator on Friday and I guess the newfound pressure in the system cause the waterpump to finish failing. Gotta love the cooling systems do this, lol.

[fatjoey666]

Got it done. I didn't need to pry the motor or anything like that. The back bolt on the water pump is a living bitch to get! When I got all the bolts out, it just fell right out. Went right back in. Make sure you have a 10mm wrench to get that back bolt! I only had a 10mm socket and it was a bear with that. Good luck!