Water pump replacement

[38ffems]

I already had a belt and idler pulley replaced when my alternator went so I am just looking to change the water pump in my 98 honda passport. How difficult is this job and what brand pump should I look for. I have ok knowledge and a decent workplace to do this. Thanks.

[Gizmo42]

The water pump is driven by the timing belt. Usually the timing belt, adjuster, and waterpump are all replaced at the same time since its the same amount of work to get to it. I havent done one on these engines yet but doesnt look fun, much tighter space then on my mitsu 4 banger.

[surferfletch]

I don't think it's much different than the SOHC in the 1st generation Rodeos. I did mine at the same time as the timing belt and it wasn't bad. You'll have to release the tensioner and hold the tensioner rod back to remove the belt. Just make sure you mark the belt and pulleys in case anything moves. I'm a self-taught mechanic with a lot to learn and I did it.

[surferfletch]

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...light=frontera

Take a look at this thread for some hints and a look at the front of the engine in the DOHC 2nd gen engines.

[rod2004]

I thought the pulley that drives the fan is connected to the water pump.

Guess I was wrong.

[38ffems]

That sort of helps, I am not sure about doing timing and the serpentine belts are pretty damn confusing so I think I will just buy the pump and have a mechanic install it. How long does it take, I am trying to gauge labor costs. I already replaced the serpentine belt and the idler pulley and tensioner when I replaced the alternator so its just the water pump that needs to be replace. Any help would be greatly appreciated and thanks for the help with trying to do it myself. I dont really like working on the front of the engine because I dont have a shop where I can track all the stuff I pull apart etc...

[Gizmo42]

Have the timing belt and tensioner done at the same time since the same amount of work has to be done. Most prices I've seen for a Zu 3.2 is around $500-600 to have it all done. Thats with whoever is doing the work supplying the parts. If you just do the water pump you will only be saving the cost of the t-belt parts which isnt much.

[38ffems]

I don't need the belt and tensioner, i just had it done a couple months ago and that isn't alot of money but it is at least around 75$. I was just wondering how many hours it usually takes to get this job done. My mechanic charges well below typical costs so i need the hours, thanks.

[Ramblin Fever]

Had my done by my mechanic, came out to $1k dollars

He supplied all parts; I supplied the truck with the bad waterpump

Gizmo - I would LOVE to hear of a local - Denver mechanic willing to do the timing belt package for less then $700; do you know of some??

Seriously, I called around on this one, and even the Isuzu dealers wanted $900 for everything.

[38ffems]

I guess I am confused as to what is making this such a high cost repair. Is it parts or is it labor. I am really looking for how long the repair was so I can get a realistic estimate. I have a family friend who is a mechanic and only charges me about 20$ an hour. So its a significant labor saving.

[Gizmo42]

According to All Data the labor time for changing the water pump is 3.4 hrs. Thats "booked" hours which most mechanics go by. It could be less, could be more.

RF, thats just the cost I've seen posted a few times on forums dont remember where they were. If you need it done again you might check with Aurora Hills Automotive they do good work and seem to have reasonable rates. Thats who did my LCA bushings. I dont think he ever wants to do one of those on a Zu again though LOL.

I havent had to worry about mine. The guy that sold me my rodeo just put a new belt, tensioner, and pump in the week before I bought it. Also got a new clutch and windshield. Those were the big selling points for me even though it was the wrong color it was just that much less that I would have to worry about doing.

[Ramblin Fever]

Oh no, Giz, I don't need it done again - not on the '97, thank god, just did it barely 20k miles ago. Just wanted to know if you knew and approved of other mechanics who felt comfortable with an Isuzu.

38ffems - I was qouted 5hrs labor for the whole timing belt package.