1997 Neon Water Pump

[spartfaithful]

I have 1997 dodge neon thats overheating. After taking the wheel off an removing the splash guard there is coolant around the pullies of the timing belt and down to the oil pan. From what I have read the water pump is internal on these engines, and that to replace them I have to take off the timing belt and tensioner. There is also a serious rattle coming from witihn the water pump encloser. The headgasket is fairly new, so I dont think that's the problem. What is the process in replacing the water pump and is there any "gotchas" I should know about before doing the job?

[das2123]

Read this timing belt how-to....
http://jball.neons.org/howto/timing_belt/howto.html

It covers what you will need to do in order to get to the water pump. When changing the water pump, get a new timing belt and tensioner as well. The toughest part is the crank pulley, but with the right tool...it comes off easily.

[Oldsmobile Doctor]

Cam seal or seals are always a good idea unless it or they were done with the head gasket.

[perez3]

while your taking that stuff apart theres probably stuff thats good to just replace as typical maintenance as well