replace water pump

[BurtonBenson]

So it turns out my 1990 300zx non-turbo water pump is leaking.
I ordered a new OEM water pump, paper gasket, thermostat and silicone gasket for that from conceptz.

If I am correct I do NOT have to remove the timing belt for this correct? Also any tips or specific tools that would be helpful for this?

[nissanfreak12]

You are correct, you do not have to remove the belt. You will have to remove all three covers, alt belt, PS belt, ac belt, crank pulley. It may seem like you may not have to, but it will benefit you removing the radiator. That extra 2inches make a big difference and it also helps when you dont have something cutting up your knuckles.

Otherwise, make sure you rinse off the timing belt after you get the water pump sealed up. You want to get the antifreeze off the belt as much as you can.

[DCaff300ZX]

Wow, news to me but also explains why a mechanic years ago tried to back out on not charging me for tb replacement when doing the waterpump and clutch fan...he obviously intended to replace the w-pump without removing the t-belt (NOT the fsm procedure), which to me was a known issue with the job and why I didn't do the work myself. It would obviously cut down the work time (better payoff), but would also increase potential future liability for a shop and which was the case when the replacement pump failed and he had to redo the work.
Doing the correct job correctly is always the best path, but not always the one traveled...