Replacing a V8 Water Pump

R

Rovertron

Member
Hi all,

Haven't been around for a while, a new arrival to the family has kept the ol' v8 garaged and the cold weather has kept it in there.

Having got a new MOT, my fantastic mechanic pointed out that the water pump doesn't sound good. My ear and trusty broom handle on the casing only confirms that it is slowly eating itself so figured that it's time for a replacement. I'm aware that one of the bolts resides in the water jacket and I'm hoping it will not be too bad freeing up.

I take it judicious use of WD-40 on these bolts a few days before replacement would help?

So basically, has anyone replaced one of these things? It looks straightforward enough but is there anything to look out for that might turn a one hour job into several hours and lots of worn-down fingernails?

Many thanks in advance,
Mike.
 
Hi Mike,

You're right to give them a good soak, but Plus Gas or a similar penetrating fluid will be much better than WD40. You're also likely to need some well-directed heat on them with a blowlamp. Alternate with these for a few days before you start.

Try to avoid using bi-hex sockets and rings - 6-point hex will help to avoid rounding off. Perversely, sometimes a slight tightening action and then loosening will help to break the seal.

When I did mine I fitted the new pump using stainless studding rather than new long bolts. Although (hopefully! :) ) it won't have to come off again anytime soon!


Good Luck!
 
Thanks Stan.

I'll start with some WD-40 and will definitely look out for some hex socket of the right size and some Plus gas. I've had success before with some diesel at room temp which seems to be almost as good.

I hear you on a little tightening up too, that worked after a bad experience with the thermostat housing that required some violence to free the stubborn left hand bolt just below the hose outlet just to replace the thermo.

Such was the awful creaking noises from the offending bolt I refitted and tightened up using a homemade thicker gasket and non-silicone sealant to avoid the last nervous half-turn :)

Yep, I am that big a coward. :)
 
Another tip on bolt loosening is to undo them a bit at a time working on opposite sides of the pump rather that unscrewing each one completely and then moving on to the next.
 
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