2000 3.5L Water Pump Replacement

[atoyota4x4]

I think I may need to replace mine. Has anyone else done this on the 3.5L? If so, what am I looking at getting into? How much time is involved? SHould I tackle it or just take it somewhere. I have the tools and ability, I just didn't know if its a big headache or not.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Matt

[LittleHoov]

1. Disconnect battery cable (a safety precaution, not 100% necessary, but not a bad idea)

2. partially drain cooling system
3. loosen water pump pulley bolts before removing drive belt
4. remove drive belt
5. remove idler pulley bolt and idler pulley
6. Remove water pump pulley bolts and remove the pulley
7. remove water pump bolts and separate the pump from the engine. note that bolt lengths vary, there are long and short bolts, note the length of the bolts when removed and the location, so they can be reinstalled properly. Discard the old gasket.

8. use care when scraping off the old gasket material, aluminum parts are damaged easily, make sure bolts are clean and in good condition. Using a new gasket install water pump and finger tighten bolts, then torque to 124 inch lbs.

9. install the water pump pulley and bolts finger tight
10 install idler pump pulley and bolt, tighten idler pulley bolt to 37 ft lbs.
11. install drive belt, then, with drive belt holding pulley, torque water pump pulley bolts to 18 ft. lbs.


That pretty much sums it up, doesnt sound too hard, but it could be. If you ever wanted to do a coolant flush now would be the time. Since your in there anyway. You might also think about removing the coolant overflow tank and maybe even the battery if its in your way so you can get around under there easier. You will probably have to remove the overflow tank to get access to the belt tensioner anyway.

[atoyota4x4]

Thanks LittleHov for the details on replacement. Found out it is actually the cross-over pipe on the back of the engine. Gaskets are leaking. I posted another thread about it.