Replacing water pump only

[Rickjames8]

So I bought a 1990 NA the other day and my water pump died the first day that I drove it. It had not been driven much recently, so I wasn't so surprised. I looked at what it would take to replace it, and obviously I was led to a lot of forums recommending the full 60k or 120k service. The job looked like it was within my abilities, so I bought an OEM 60k kit, with the pump, tensioner, belt, pullys etc.

While looking up more info on doing the procedure, it looks like the water pump could be changed without changing the timing belt. Is that correct? My motivation for doing so is that it's January, and I'm in DC and have no garage and I despise working with frozen fingers. The previous TB change was about 30k ago, so it should last until the summer. I'd much prefer a 4-5 hour job now, and a much longer job in the summer, even if it meant repeating some of the steps.

My pump did leak when it died, but I'm not sure if the TB cover protects the TB from a leak so close. I understand antifreeze pretty much kills timing belts.

So:
1. Can I change just the water pump now and save a significant amount of time?
2. Does a leaky water pump kill the timing belt, or does the cover protect it?

[Ken@PTUNING]

Yes, you can replace the water pump without replacing the belt. Most of the steps involved in getting to the water pump are part of the timing belt job, which is why it's recommended to do at the same time. If you have a shop do this, I'd say bite the bullet and just do the whole job. If you're doing it on your own, then I'd say you're fine with just the pump replacement, especially if the timing belt was replaced only 30k miles ago.

A water leak on a timing belt won't kill the belt. You'll be fine. Oil kills belts.

[rgregoryb]

How many years on belt?

[Rickjames8]

RE: years on belt

Last replaced in 09. So seven years.
And to be clear, I've bought the belt with plans to replace, it's just a matter of Jan vs June. I also have a second car which will probably share winter driving 50/50 with the Z32.

@ken - Where in Manassas are you? I'm in Lake Jackson, off 234.

[nissanfreak12]

I would personally bite the bullet and do the 60k service. The timing belt is only supposed to last 4yrs or 60k. The reason for 4 yrs is the rubber dries out and gets brittle, has a higher chance on breaking. Could it last longer, sure, but its not designed to.

Since you are going to be in that area and everything is off, just replace it. It will save you the headache if or when the belt breaks and having to do it all again.

[Ken@PTUNING]

RE: years on belt

Last replaced in 09. So seven years.
And to be clear, I've bought the belt with plans to replace, it's just a matter of Jan vs June. I also have a second car which will probably share winter driving 50/50 with the Z32.

@ken - Where in Manassas are you? I'm in Lake Jackson, off 234.

Just outside old town off of 28.

If you're going to do the belt and it is that old, I'd replace them both at the same time and save yourself from more work. Plus, take advantage of this warm weather while it lasts.

[Rickjames8]

We'll see what the weather is like when I start the job. I'm away visiting family at the moment, then back and straight to Vegas for work for a week. If it's still warm, I might do the whole thing. As mentioned, the bullet has already been bit as far as buying the parts.
Thx for the info.