Ya'll gave me alot of info not long ago about replacing the water pump in the wifes '94 Q45. I think I can do it myself, but have a few "basic" questions. 1. Do I need to drain the coolant from the block via the drain****s on either side of the block, or can I just drain the radiator and let the coolant flow oout once the pump is off? 2. Where is(are) the radiator drains located?
3. How do I go about removing the water pump belt?Can all of this be done from up top? The car has the "skid plate" underneath and it looks like a pain to remove?Some of this would probably be evident once I got into the project, but thought I'd ask first.Thanks againMike
Q's on belt replacement
1. Most of us can't even get those open. I drain the radiator and disconnect the lower hose first. Then when I remove the pump I prepare for a flood of coolant to dump out onto the ground. Get rid of all of it so no animals drink it and get sick.2. Radiator drain is on the passenger side, bottom rear of radiator.3. You will have to go from the bottom for the best access to the tensioners. The undertray is held on with maybe 10 screws. Loosen the 14mm pulley nut first, then turn the tensioner screw leftyloosey to loosen each belt.
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Mike Culpepper
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Thu Feb 26, 2004 4:25 am
Thanks, I won't worry about the block drains.Is there a proper way to retension the belts ? I was going to replace the belts while I'm at it. I have a torque wrench(a real cheapy one) , but I'm not sure how accurate it is. Also, if I can be a pain a while longer.........once I get things back together, and the radiator filled, should I just start the car and add coolant as needed or is there a better way.Mike
The FSM gives load-deflection data for the belts. Not a very practical method IMO. I use the numbers to estimate the tension, but I tend to leave them a bit on the loose side. Better a bit loose than too tight. Retightening is easy enough. Feel the old belts before you remove them to get a 1st cut estimate. Do a search for the method to open the heater core. This will help get air bubbles out of the system.