Water pump replacement

[BillC123]

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?

Thanks

[amiry36]

Correct. It's not necessary to remove the timing belt; however, you do need to take the metal timing cover from the engine. Its right above the crank pulley.

[BillC123]

Thanks

I'm figuring I will need a pulley puller. Any other items that will help this go smoothly?

[300zxtt4life]

You should take off the fan from thw fan clutch, than fan clutch from water pump pulley. The pully comes off the water pump and you should also remove the water outlet tubes to make your life a bit easier. Don't forget the gasket on the water pump and torque the bolts to 12-15 ft pounds. It might also be easier if you can remove your radiator for more room to fit tools inbetween the radiator support and engine.

[nissanfreak12]

Thanks

I'm figuring I will need a pulley puller. Any other items that will help this go smoothly?

You will need to remove the Crank pulley, for this you actually want to rent a steering wheel puller, or a puller that grip to the edge of the pulley, it will cause it to break. The crank pulley has two threaded holes for bolts, I believe the same size and pitch as the fender bolts, just longer. You want to pull from that area to avoid damage. I would look into a new chuck key for the crank snout, most of the time these are damaged or get lost easily. Just good practice just in case, and they are not that expensive.

You don't need to remove the fan from the clutch, but you will need to remove the whole assembly, clutch/fan from the water pump pulley, 4 10mm bolts/nuts. All that should come off easy. You don't need to remove the radiator, but will make it a lot easier. Don't use a lot of RTV sealant if you decide that route VS paper gasket, thin coat works great.

New things with water pump;

New upper/lower hoses
Silicone bypass hoses
OEM water pump
Thermostat


This should only take you no longer than 5 hrs for a first timer, but take your time and do not over-tighten the water pump belt, this will cause premature pump failure

[Phan]

drain radiator

remove radiator and shroud

remove fan

remove aluminum pipe

remove belt

remove harmonic balancer

remove timing cover top and bottom

remove water pump (be prepare for a flood)

slap on new water pump done!

have fun = )