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My coolant is leaking from oil pan.
Initially I thought it was the thremostat housing, but after cleaning that area and starting up again, I don't see any leaks in that area.
How difficult is the task? I've done starter replacement, brakes, hood, fender etc. Basic stuff.
I found a video on you tube, but could not get a good idea.
There's the timing chain tensioner removal, which looks complicated and also water pump removal, which also looks a bit tough because of the tight space.
Do you have to put the chain back on the water pump when you replace the pump?
Can you remove the water pump without removing the tensioner?
Took some pics. Both the pump and the tensioner are located deeper than what I though from watching the youtube vid.
Can I remove the AC line?
Can I remove the belt tensioner?
What is the white glue like stuff around one of the waterpump bolts?
(this came from previous owner)
It is a simple job mechanically speaking. Messing with the timing chain can make some nervous, I know I didn't enjoy doing the job on my Frontier recently. Not letting anything fall into the timing case is also something to be aware of.
Clean the area thoroughly before you start. Clean the bore before installing the new pump.
I would recommend putting the engine at TDC just to verify the chain does not skip any teeth during the job. That's just me being over cautious.
My coolant is leaking from oil pan.
Initially I thought it was the thremostat housing, but after cleaning that area and starting up again, I don't see any leaks in that area.
How difficult is the task? I've done starter replacement, brakes, hood, fender etc. Basic stuff.
I found a video on you tube, but could not get a good idea.
There's the timing chain tensioner removal, which looks complicated and also water pump removal, which also looks a bit tough because of the tight space.
Do you have to put the chain back on the water pump when you replace the pump?
Can you remove the water pump without removing the tensioner?
I replaced my water pump proactively when I was working on my timing chain tensioner and had the timing chain cover off. While it is possible to replace the water pump through the access hole, it will be a PITA due to such limited space. One of the critical mistakes is dropping bolts into the access hole when removing & reinstalling water pump and tensioner. It will just add to your misery.
The timing chain drives the water pump. So yes, you have to remove the timing chain from the water pump before the water pump can be removed. And you need to remove the tensioner to loosen the timing chain to give it some slack before it can be unhooked from the water pump.
This repair is more involved and complicated than replacing brakes and starters. It depends on whether you have the time and whether you like a challenge.
Thanks, @Jsutter.
I chickened out and got a mechanic to do it.
It's fixed now. The waterpump gaskets looked good, but the pump itself would get stuck when you spin it.
Took him close to 3hrs. After watching him do it, I was glad I didn't attempt it.
@i35geek, your comment makes me think I did the right thing. yay!
How much did it cost you? I might proactively replace the wife's in the near future.
I considered doing this when our '00 hit 210k and I did some extensive service. I wouldn't want to try it. Like you, I do the usual stuff. Alternators, CV axles, bearings, suspension, exhaust, etc. but dropping something in the timing case is panic-inducing. Add to that all the knuckle-busting in that tight space... I'll pay someone to handle it.
@hithesh so glad you have it fixed. My water pump was still good on my 175,000 mile 2003 I35. The only reason why I replaced it was I already had the timing chain cover off and I was doing tensioner and guide repairs.
Even with the cover off, I struggled doing the water pump replacement. The timing chain was a pain to put on the new water pump. Now that I have replaced the water pump once with the timing chain cover off, I am wise enough not to do it again with the cover on. Some things you just have to pay someone to do.
How much did it cost you? I might proactively replace the wife's in the near future.
I considered doing this when our '00 hit 210k and I did some extensive service. I wouldn't want to try it. Like you, I do the usual stuff. Alternators, CV axles, bearings, suspension, exhaust, etc. but dropping something in the timing case is panic-inducing. Add to that all the knuckle-busting in that tight space... I'll pay someone to handle it.
I found a mobile mech guy for 400$ labor. Most were in 600-700$r.
The best way to make your water pump lasts is by changing the antifreeze at a decent service interval. it contains a lubricant that keeps the water pump bearings lubricated and from failing. once those bearings wear out the impeller starts to spin crooked causing fluid to leak past the shaft seal and into the timing chain area into the oil. I do a drain and fill on my radiator every year.
