water pump replacement 86 626

[ozzfreak]

I bought an 86 626 for 400 dollars and it seems the only thing wrong with it is the water pump. It is leaking. What do I need to do to replace this? If anyone has any sites or information, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Oz

[Mac626]

Personally I would buy a Chiltons manual from O'Reillys (about $18) - it will contain detailed instrctions with photos - plus you can use it for just about every repair you might want to try yourself. Stay clear of the Haynes manuals - they cost about the same and are just crap.

[ozzfreak]

Yeah, I planned on getting one, but as of right now I'm VERY limited on funds. And to make things worse, I hit a deer with my truck last night and now I have a leaky radiator. So now I have 3 vehicles with water problems, My 626, my 83 F100 truck, and my 88 civic that has a warped head and pours water in the cylinders, although it does still run amazingly enough, but only about 5 miles at a time before it starts to overheat again. I was just hoping to get some info online to save some money for the time being, but I do plan on getting one of the books, thanks for helping.

Originally Posted by ozzfreak

I bought an 86 626 for 400 dollars and it seems the only thing wrong with it is the water pump. It is leaking. What do I need to do to replace this? If anyone has any sites or information, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

Oz

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by ozzfreak

I was just hoping to get some info online to save some money for the time being, but I do plan on getting one of the books, thanks for helping.

From everything I've read, this is not a simple thing. Maybe yours is different because of it's age, but newer 626s require the removal of the timing belt (which you should also replace if you have it off) as part of the procedure to change the water pump. This is a PITA and care has to be taken to get the new belt on properly.

[ozzfreak]

yes, I have to take off the timing belt. The previous owners had removed the cover. The belt looks almost brand new, absolutely no wear on it at all. The main thing I'm concerned about is, when i get the bolts off around the water pump, does it just easily just slide out? I have a 88 civic with the same kind of water pump, but have never had to change that either. You know that got me to thinking, I can look in my manual on that car to give me some ideas on this one. It should be very similar at least. Thanks for your help.

[Mac626]

Originally Posted by ozzfreak

yes, I have to take off the timing belt. The previous owners had removed the cover. The belt looks almost brand new, absolutely no wear on it at all. The main thing I'm concerned about is, when i get the bolts off around the water pump, does it just easily just slide out? I have a 88 civic with the same kind of water pump, but have never had to change that either. You know that got me to thinking, I can look in my manual on that car to give me some ideas on this one. It should be very similar at least. Thanks for your help.

Just remember that if the pump has been leaking on the timing belt it can weaken it without showing any wear. One of the other things I read was that there is also an O ring that you should replace (don't know if it comes with the new pump or not).

Good luck and let everyone know how it works out and describe the procedure if you get the time.

[ozzfreak]

ok, it will be a week or so before I can get around to working on the car, but I'll try to post how i did it. Thanks

[ozzfreak]

Ok, I got the stupid thing off (can you tell my frustration? lol) I did more work than I had to to get it off, because it just wouldn't budge. Like taking motor mount off, and crank pulley. There is only 5 bolts holding on the water pump, plus the timing belt tensioner pulley bolt. There is also a water line that comes in from the front of the car side of the pump. And a tube fits in the back of it. The pump did not just flop right off when the bolts were removed, I had to use a pry bar to break the seal on the gaskets, which actually wasn't very easy. I guess 19 years of being on there holds well, hehe. Here are some pictures to show what I mean, and the locations of all bolts. The second shows where the water line goes into the back.





I hope this helps anyone else that has had problems. And thanks to all the tried to help.

Oz