dleccord

i am going to replace the water pump soon but i need to know whether i am suppose to remove the power steering pump and the alternator out of the way to get the water pump? or do i just remove the belt and the right fender and have access to the water pump?

thanks.

BLKFLSH

You really need to put your car information in your signature (year/engine), so everyone will know, without you having to type it in each time you post. For the 4 cylinder, you have to remove the drive belt, drain the coolant, and remove the belt tensioner first. For the 6 cylinder, it's usually changed when the timing belt is changed (a lot more complicated).

dleccord

i have the 2004 honda accord ex 2.4L and i understand im suppose to remove the coolant and belt out first but to get to the water pump, am i suppose to remove the power steering pump and the alternator?

Matt55

If you go ahead and do it, you will see what you have to take out to get to it

BLKFLSH

The service manual says to remove the belt, coolant, and tensioner only. No mention of the alternator or the power steering pump.

dleccord

has anyone done this because i dont see any clearance unless you remove the wheel well or fender.

spoonfedcrx

If the p/s pump is in the way leave the lines hooked up and remove it from the bracket/block and set it up on the valve cover. If you dont have enough clearance from the wheelwell you can always remove the pass side motor mount and drop it down some.

dleccord

when installing the new water pump, am i suppose to install a new gasket or something? any other tips? should i flush my old coolant out first and then install the new pump?

BLKFLSH

From what I remember, there are two o-rings that seal the pump to the block. The manual will always say to replace the o-rings, but I've never seen one that was damaged, and couldn't be reused. If you are going to buy a pump, you may as well get the o-rings for it too.

dleccord

So no one has ever done this?

Is our 2004 accords too new for a water pump change or what? Just curious because i want to do my belt and coolant change.

dleccord

yeah we're talking about replacing the water pump.

BLKFLSH

There probably aren't many people who have had to change the water pump. What is wrong with yours? The water pump on the V6 is designed to last at least 105k miles, because it's not expected to be changed at least until the timing belt is due. The water pump on the 4 cylinder probably has similar durability, so finding someone who's had to change it are slim.

dleccord

oh well my 04 4 cylinder is at 114k so im just trying to replace it now with the coolant.

Targa250R

That's useless. Unless your water pump is making noise or leaking, it doesn't need to be replaced. If you had a V6, my advice would be different.

Our shop services over 70 Hondas and Acuras per week and I've needed to replace the OE water pump on only two (2) K-series engines thus far. That's a fantastic track record for an engine that has been in production since 2001. Just drain and refill the coolant, install a new serpentine belt, and forget the water pump until it starts leaking.

And yes, you do need to install a new gasket. Use some Hondabond around the flange. And no, you don't need to remove the PS pump or alternator.

dleccord

How many belt tensioners do I have to remove to install the serpentine belt?

Targa250R

There is only one tensioner.

You should really buy a service manual if you intend to work on your own vehicle without much mechanical experience: http://www.helminc.com/helm/product2...A06&itemtype=N

dleccord

did you guys use a manual when you guys started working?

Matt55

i didnt but i also had someone there to guide me on my first one, its really not that hard, loosen the pulley bolts, loosen the tensioner, take the belt off, finish taking the bolts out of the waterpump, and its out

Matt55

thats generally what happens

Targa250R

Yes. Or I had someone there showing me what to do.

dleccord

will a tensioner ever snap and shoot something at you?

NuRon

No. Dude, you really need to buy a shop/Haynes/Chilton manual or something and then start asking from there.

BLKFLSH

I imagine even the most experienced techs need to look things up in the manual. They can't remember everything (torque specs, testing procedures, etc.). The Helm manual is what techs use, but it is easy enough for an owner to understand, if you have some mechanical knowledge and common sense. I think a Haynes manual is good enough for someone who just wants to do maintenance stuff and small repairs. It's much cheaper than the Helm manual.

KWayRacing

DLE buy an owner's manual also buy a service manual. They are both great info that would save you a lot of time.

Matt55

but things cld happen, there have been cases of ppl dying in their bay if thats what your reffering to but its rare