water pump replace

[wine]

Do I need to replace the thermostat while replacing the water pump on my 97 Sentra with a/c and auto? Suggestions on removing the water pump housing bolts in such tight spots?

[Andrewh]

You might as well. A few bucks more for insurance. I replaced mine while I replaced the timing chains. Mine is a 1.6, so not positive it is the same. As I recall, the wp bolts weren't the hardest part. The thermostat housing was the worst. I used an universal joint on the socket, and then wrenches to get it off.

[wine]

Did you disconnect the hoses to the housing? The are 3 bolts connected to the housing, right? Were the water pump bolts tightened in any sequence? How did you set the pump free from the housing, with a hammer?

Appreciate it.

[Andrewh]

Yes, I would and did remove the hose. I normally work on older cars, so I know I would have done that. The only thing I don't remember is if it was an o-ring seal, or a gasket seal. I would have taken the hose off so I could take the part out to clean it.
There is no particular order, but I did you a cross pattern to tighten it back down. There is a torque setting, but I don't know what it is. I used a gasket scraper to break it loose. Not much room up there for a hammer.

[wine]

Please tell me how to torque the bolts. Manual says 60 inch-lbs meaning 5 ft-lbs. That's so little my torque wrench doesn't measure it.
By hand how can I tell if it's tight enough so it won't leak coolant? Thanks.

[Andrewh]

I always use Ultra Copper RTV. Also if you use a small wrench, they make them so you cannot apply too much torque to a bolt. Personally, I do it by feel, so I cannot say. You could also try renting an inch pound torque wrench at like autozone.