1998 240SX - Water Pump Questions / Cooling System

[tonypatthou]

My 240 has 103,000 miles on it. My question is how solid is the radiator and the water pump on these cars. The car is "adult driven" since new. No hard driving or pushing the engine to redline numbers. A mechanic told me that in order to change the Water Pump, he would have to remove the timing chain cover also. Is this true. Can anybody provide tell me what to "look out for" during this repair.Also, would this be a good time to change the "valve cover gaskets". They could certainly use it.

[coolcloo1019]

ive replaced my water pump and sure don't recall having to remove the timing chain cover...i think he was bs'in you

[scruffy63]

coolcloo is right I have a ka24e but the blocks are close to being the same. and you don't have to take off the timing chain cover or change your valve cover gasket.

[Dattebayo]

That is complete bullshyt that you are being fed and do not ever go to that guy again for any repairs.

It is simple enough that you can do this yourself with little trouble and/or time. Or if you dont want to/dont have enough personal time, you should go to a imports only shop and pay the extra dollar for a mechanic that knows what he is doing.

[ddgsxr504]

S14 water pumps, here we go. 1st, unless your water pump is leaking, don't mess with it. 2nd, if it is then all you have to do is take off the intake piping and all the harnesses to it, remove the fan shroud, and pull the belts, (good time to replace them anyway). Also new upper and lower radiator hoses wouldn't hurt either. I would also suggest replacing the thermostat too! You will undo 4 bolts and remove the fan from the pulley and then remove the pulley itself. Undo the 4 or 5 bolts, (can't remember) and bam, old pump off. Clean gasket sufaces and reinstall new pump with gasket and dab a little gasket sealer around it as well. Installation is opposite of removal. Let the gasket sealer dry for about an hour before you start the engine. Oh you will want to drain the radiator fluid before any thing else. When you are done, (shouldn't take more than 3 hours), then refill your radiator full with 50%/50% water and antifreeze. Start the car and let it warm up to operating temp, driving it around the block will speed this up. Then drive it home and let it cool so you can top off the radiator. Sometimes you will have to burp the coolant system or it will overheat, which entails squeezing the upper radiator hose, (radiator cap off, engine running) to get all the air out. You can pick up a water pump at your local part store 4 less than $40 bucks, actually its around $25-$35. Wow that was alot of typing, Hope this helps. Oh and like another guy suggested don't go back to that *** wipe mechanic and warn your friend about him as well!