water pump

[shammy]

To anyone who has changed a water pump recently. We are changing ours on our '98. Just wondering if we need any new gaskets or accesories when purchasing a water pump? Or does it come with everything that we may need?

[wiswind]

I have NOT.
Visit www.autozone.com
Look under "vehicle repair guides"
The instructions that I have read in several places indicate that you have to raise that end of the engine about 4 inches in order for the pump pulley to clear the frame member.

[ivory]

Originally Posted by shammy

To anyone who has changed a water pump recently. We are changing ours on our '98. Just wondering if we need any new gaskets or accesories when purchasing a water pump? Or does it come with everything that we may need?

You have to short (cut) those bolts to get the old pump out....I used the mini saw and it took me 4 hours....what a ford! what a windystar!

[fcrew]

If you can handle basic tools you won't have a problem. To get prepared you need anti-freeze, the water pump( it comes with the gasket, it goes on dry-no glue), some sort of container to catch the anti-freeze that you are going to drain. You need to remove the fan belt but before you remove it you should loosen the water pump pully bolts. Remove the front motor mount bolt( under the van at the right front corner-there is a hole in the frame). Once loosened you will need a floor jack to lift the engine about 3-4 inches( you can safely lift it from under the catalitic converter) You should remove the alternator for more room - there are only 3 bolts and an electrical connection( disconnect the battery first). Once the engine is lifted you can remove the pully and bolts, disconnect the water pump tube at the top, and remove the bolts to remove the water pump. Don't forget to disconnect the bottom rad hose.Reverse this for assembly. When you are begining the rebuild, don't forget to replce the rubber "O" ring for the bottom rad hose (it goes inside the water pump where the rad hose tube slides into the water pump- you will see a groove).Expect about 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours if all goes according to plan.