2000 Mustang Water Pump Replacement

[quickcurrent]

My 2000 Mustang 3.8 L V6 just sprung a coolant leak yesterday and I've been busy trying to figure out where the leak is. This morning, I identified the water pump is leaking at or near the gasket.

Does anyone have a howto or tips to help me through this water pump replacement job before I start? It does not look easy!

Thanks in advance for all replies.

QC

[Tuffdrvr88]

Its pretty straight forward. Wouldn't hurt to have a helper but its not that bad. Take the belts off remove the fan. Unbolt the old pump and remove it. When you put on the new one it would help to get some 3M Gasket Sealer to hold the new gasket in place while you try to bolt it back in. If this is your first time it may take you a little while but its really not that bad. Remember, there is nothing on a car that can't be fixed. Hope that helps.

[351wStang]

Make sure to remove all old gasket material. You want a good clean surface for the best seal. You dont want to put it back together just to have it leak again. Also take your time refilling the coolant. Turn the heat wide ass open with the car running while refilling. When coolant level looks like it wants to push out cap it, and keep an eye on the temp guage. If the temp shoots up you have anair pocket. Let it cool and there will be room for more coolant. Good luck.

[quickcurrent]

Thanks guys. I've replace a water pump on another Ford before (years ago) and it was much easier even though the pump was at the bottom back of the block (but had only a small belt connected to it to drive the pump)!

This pump was a nightmare to replace. I must confess I have a bad back and couldn't lean over the car to yank the two hoses off the pump, remove the steel tube that goes to the heater core and remove the serpemtine belt! It seems everything connects to the water pump on this sucker !!! My back was in better shape when I did the last one.

I ended up taking the parts and the car down to my local master mechanic to have him do it - 2.5 hours to do the job! That one was a bit too much for me in my condition. I don't think this is an easy job for the first timer either. Oh well we can't do them all, lol.