Water Pump 101

[rockingchairmotors]

Guys I'm going to start another thread on the water pump. I, hopefully, am not going to get in as deep as JC is on the first thread.

I started on my car and need some guidance.

I took out my radiator for more room to work. Fan is off as well as the belt.

Next is the vibration damper correct?

Does the belt tensioner need to come off? seems so.

Any tricks to take off the damper?

Thanks

 

[nocfn]

Remove the bolts, noting they are not symmetrical so remember it goes on one way. PB blaster on the washers for a good soak. I used a rubber mallet and a length of pvc tube as my hammering around the bolt pattern. Should be able to break it free, wiggle and shake vigorously as you pull off. Those washers have bare tolerance but it will come off.

 

[gsxr]

FSM procedure for water pump R&R:
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD1/Program/Engine/119/20-2100.pdf

One of the "preceding jobs" at the top left of page 1 is removal of the balancer:
http://www.w124-zone.com/downloads/MB CD/W124/w124CD1/Program/Engine/119/03-3420.pdf

And, one of the preceding jobs for balancer removal is... you guessed it, removing the belt tensioner. If you have a 1992 with manual tensioner, note the order of the tensioner, adjuster ring, and spacer washer... they only fit properly one way and it's possible to get things messed up. And, if the tensioner is not recent, seriously consider replacing it with OE MB or Laso aftermarket (nothing else). If you have a 93-up, count your blessings.

 

[rockingchairmotors]

OK

I have my crank pully and balancer off.

I did not put any lock on anything (like JC made). I hope that is ok.

If I don't want to do the front seal then I'm ready for the pump. Correct.

 

[nocfn]

Yes. Are you certain [the front crank seal] isn't leaking?? If not just clean it all up, especially he washer area with some sandpaper/scotch pad. I used a bit of antiseize to promote removal at some point in the future but I don't know if that will help.

 

[rockingchairmotors]

I'm in the process of cleaning up the area. I sprayed PB blaster on the bolts and letting them soak overnight.

I presume there is no way to determine if the front crank seal is leaking without running the engine?

 

[gsxr]

I presume there is no way to determine if the front crank seal is leaking without running the engine?

If there is any evidence of oil around the seal, and/or on the back of the balancer, it's probably leaking. If everything seems clean & dry, the only way to tell would be cleaning everything squeaky clean and running the engine enough to get the oil temp up... which would mean driving under load, not just idling in the driveway.