How to Replace the Water Pump in a Ford Mustang

The water pump is the heart of the Ford Mustang's cooling system. Make sure to change out a faulty water pump, which could cause the engine to overheat resulting in serious damage. To properly do the job, you'll need certain tools, which may include various wrenches and screwdrivers and a ratchet set. Plus, you'll need a drain pan, gasket scraper and wire brush, and your replacement water pump and gasket.

Instructions

Remove the Water Pump

1

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Place a drain pan underneath the radiator. When the engine is cool, remove the drain plug and drain the coolant from the radiator into the pan.

2

Take out the air cleaner outlet pipe. Loosen the water pump pulley bolts and take out the accessory drive belt along with the water pump pulley.

3

Remove the lower radiator hose, the upper radiator hose and the heater hose.

4

Loosen and remove the 12 connected bolts to loosen the water pump. Remove the water pump. Clean the gasket mating surfaces with a gasket scraper or wire brush.

Install the Water Pump

5

Insert and install the water pump, making sure to attach a new gasket or a new o-ring seal. Tighten the bolts to 89 inch-lb torque in a 4.0 liter engine and 18 ft-lb torque in a 4.6 liter engine.

6

Install the heater hose and the lower and radiator hoses. Reinstall the accessory drive belt and water pump pulley bolts. Mount and install the air cleaner outlet pipe.

7

Replace the drain plug and refill the cooling system with coolant to the proper levels.

8

Reconnect the battery cable and start the engine. Check for leaks when the engine reaches normal operating temperatures.