How to Install a Water Pump on a Ford Truck

Ford trucks that are used for heavy hauling may be subjected to a high level of stress, which could damage the truck engine's internal parts if the cooling system is not in peak condition. The main feature of your cooling system is the water pump, which pumps coolant into the engine block and the radiator. A bad water pump will begin leaking fluid or make a slight grinding noise when running, both signs that it needs to be replaced.

Instructions

1

Remove the old water pump from your Ford truck's engine, making sure to first drain your engine's cooling system of coolant. The pump is located near the front of the engine and is connected to the radiator by large coolant hoses.

2

Place the new pump into the same spot that the old one occupied, then use a wrench to bolt on the two (or on some model trucks, three) bolts that are used to hold the water pump in place. Make sure the bolts are tight and the water pump is securely fastened to the engine block.

3

Place the timing belt around the pulley on the water pump and then use a belt tensioner to return the belt to its proper tension.

4

Attach each radiator hose, one on the far side and one on the near side, to the water pump and secure then with the the hose clamps tightened with a screwdriver.

5

Open the radiator cap and fill it with coolant. Start the car to distribute coolant throughout the system, then turn off the car and top off the coolant level.