How to Replace an Overheating Water Pump on a 1996 Dodge Intrepid

If you do not replace the water pump on your Dodge Intrepid when it goes bad, you will create other, more expensive problems. These other problems can include head gasket failure, which involves the removal of the cylinder head from the engine to repair it. It will only take about two hours to change the pump, and a new one is not expensive. You can do this project in your driveway, so there is no need to take the Dodge to a repair garage.

Instructions

1

Ensure the engine is completely cool before you begin the project. Open the valve on the bottom right of the radiator with your hand, and drain the coolant into the drain pan. Do not use pliers on this valve because it is plastic, and the pliers will damage it. Properly recycle the coolant at an approved recycling center.

2

Remove the cap on the coolant reservoir bottle by twisting it off. Open the bleeder valve on the thermostat housing to help the coolant easily flow out. Note the proper routing of the serpentine belt, and remove it by turning the idler pulley counter-clockwise with a wrench.

3

Remove the bolts from the water pump pulley using a wrench, and pull the pulley from the water pump. Remove the water pump retaining bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the pump from the engine. Remove and discard the O-ring.

4

Place a new pump and O-ring on the mounting surface, and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Place the pulley on the water pump, and install the pulley bolts with a wrench. Route the serpentine belt through the engine, and tighten the tension by turning the idler pulley clockwise with a wrench.

5

Close the valve on the bottom of the radiator. Refill the radiator and the reservoir with fresh coolant. When the liquid starts to come out of the bleeder valve on the thermostat housing, close it and tighten it with a wrench. Start the car, and check for leaks around the new water pump.