How to Replace the Water Pump in a 1988 Ford Escort

If your Ford Escort is overheating, you may have a bad water pump. You have to first rule out the obvious, less invasive possibilities such as the thermostat, and the fluid level first. Once you narrow the problem down to the water pump, then it is time to replace it. It does not take very long to replace the water pump, and you can complete the procedure in your driveway. This eliminates the need of spending money at an auto repair garage.

Instructions

1

Make sure the engine is cool before you start this project. Disconnect the negative battery cable using a wrench to loosen the nut on the terminal. Place the drain pan under the radiator and open the valve with a wrench to drain the engine coolant into it. Place it out of reach of children and pets.

2

Remove the accessory drive belts by loosening the adjusting bolt on the alternator with a wrench. Remove the timing belt cover using a wrench. Turn the crankshaft using a wrench far enough that the engine is at top dead center. The engine is at top dead center when the notch on the crankshaft pulley lines up with the mark on the engine.

3

Loosen the attaching bolts on the timing chain tensioner using a wrench and push it to the side. Remove the belt from the camshaft, tensioner and water pump sprockets. Do not take it off the crankshaft or you may cause loss of teeth on the crankshaft sprocket or possibly even break the timing chain.

4

Remove the camshaft sprocket using a wrench. Remove the rear timing cover stud using a wrench. Remove the heater return hose at the water pump inlet using a screwdriver to loosen the clamp. Remove the fasteners from the pump inlet tube with a screwdriver. Remove the water pump mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet.

5

Pull the pump away from the engine block. Scrape away any remaining gasket material and make sure the mounting surface for the water pump is clean. Place a new gasket and water pump on the engine block and tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet.

6

Secure the pump inlet tube using a screwdriver. Connect the heater return hose and tighten the clamp with the screwdriver. Install the rear timing cover stud and tighten it with a wrench. Install the camshaft sprocket and tighten the retaining bolt with the wrench.

7

Route the timing chain over the water pump sprocket, the camshaft and the tensioner. Pull the tensioner over in place and install the retaining bolts with a wrench. Install the timing chain cover and tighten the bolts with a wrench. Place the accessory drive belts on the pulleys and add tension to them by tightening the adjusting bolt on the alternator with a wrench.

8

Add coolant to the radiator and reservoir. Connect the battery cable and tighten the terminal nut with a wrench. Start the Escort and check the installation for leaks.