- Replacement water pump
- New gasket for the water pump
- Socket set
- Pliers
- Screwdriver
- Funnel
- Coolant (50/50 mix of antifreeze and water)
Instructions:
1. Disconnect Battery:
- Disconnect the battery's negative terminal to ensure your safety.
2. Drain Coolant:
- Locate the radiator drain cock or plug, usually at the bottom of the radiator.
- Open the drain cock or remove the plug to drain most of the coolant.
- Ensure you have a container to collect the drained coolant.
3. Locate Water Pump:
- The water pump is usually mounted on the front of the engine, near the bottom.
- Identify it by locating the serpentine belt route; the water pump should have the belt running over it.
4. Remove Belt Tensioner:
- Locate the belt tensioner, which maintains tension on the serpentine belt.
- Release belt tension by turning or pivoting the tensioner mechanism using a wrench or socket.
- Remove the serpentine belt from the water pump pulley.
5. Remove Old Water Pump:
- Use a wrench or socket set to loosen and remove the bolts securing the water pump.
- Be cautious as some residual coolant might leak.
- Remove the old water pump and gasket from the engine block.
6. Clean Mounting Surface:
- Take a moment to clean the water pump mounting surface on the engine block.
- Remove any old gasket residue or dirt to ensure a proper seal for the new water pump.
7. Install New Gasket and Water Pump:
- Place the new gasket over the water pump mounting surface.
- Carefully place the new water pump in position and align the mounting bolts.
- Hand-tighten the bolts to secure the water pump.
8. Tighten Water Pump Bolts:
- Use a wrench or socket to tighten the water pump bolts in a criss-cross pattern.
- Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque, usually around 25 ft-lb.
- Double-check the tightness of all the bolts.
9. Reconnect Belt Tensioner:
- Reinstall the serpentine belt on the water pump pulley and other components.
- Use a wrench or socket to adjust and tension the belt by manipulating the belt tensioner.
- Ensure proper belt tension as per vehicle specifications.
10. Fill Coolant:
- Reconnect the radiator drain or close the drain plug to prevent coolant loss.
- Use the funnel to carefully pour the coolant (50/50 mix) into the radiator.
- Fill until the coolant reaches the specified level indicated in your vehicle's manual.
11. Burp Cooling System:
- With the engine running and the heater on high, let the engine reach its normal operating temperature.
- Periodically monitor coolant levels and add more if needed.
- This process helps eliminate any air pockets within the cooling system.
12. Test Drive:
- Take the Ranger for a short test drive to ensure proper temperature regulation and no leaks.
- Revisit the coolant level after the first drive and adjust if necessary.
Remember, if you encounter any difficulties or feel unsure about any step during this process, it is always advisable to consult your vehicle's repair manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic to ensure the safety and reliability of your vehicle's cooling system.
