Major Problem During Water Pump Replacement

[Graberhieny]

I was installing my water pump today on my 1995 Nissan Maxima and everything was going well...until this guy that started helping me...while I went inside my house to get my dad's better socket set...by the time that I get back outside the guy that has started to help me was removing the TIMING CHAIN TENSOR...during the process he let the spring and piston shoot out and the only thing that he removed from the engine was the bulk metal piece...does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the spring and piston out...without me having to open up the whole timing chain cover...if there is please let to me know...cuz my dad is coming back from India on Monday and I have to pick him up from the airport in my car...i would have waited to change my water pump but it was leaking to the point that I could not push it anymore.Thanks in Advance.

[MinisterofDOOM]

Welcome to NICO!

So the spring and piston fell down into the timing cover?

You might be able to fish them out with one of those telescoping magnet tools.

[Graberhieny]

O Yeah!!! Quick Question then, Is the Piston and Spring all one piece or are they both separate pieces..thanks for the extremely quick reply...i really appreciate that... Thanks Again, Keyur Patel

[maxhopper]

They are two separate pieces. Hopefully you can get everything back together without throwing off the timing. Good luck, and be sure to kick your friend in the baby-maker.

[Graberhieny]

Ok. Now I got everything put back together and runngin fine, well atleast I think I do...What are the signs of the timing being off....and after i change the water is the engine temp. gauge suppose to be running much cooler than before... i know that logically yeah, but it seems to have a extreme drop in the running temp... thanks for the help guys.

[MinisterofDOOM]

If the timing was off the engine would run rough or not at all.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Extreme drop in temp?

Did you put the thermostat back in?