Tools and Materials Needed:
- Replacement water pump
- New gasket for the water pump
- Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers
- Socket wrench set
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Rags
Safety Precautions:
- Ensure the vehicle is parked on level ground with the engine turned off and cool.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical accidents.
Procedure:
1. Drain the Coolant:
- Locate the radiator drain plug, usually at the bottom of the radiator.
- Place a container beneath the drain plug and open it using a screwdriver or wrench.
- Allow the coolant to drain completely.
2. Remove the Fan Belt:
- Locate the fan belt, which connects the crankshaft pulley to the water pump pulley.
- Loosen the bolt holding the fan belt tensioner pulley using a wrench.
- Use the screwdriver or wrench to pivot the tensioner and release the fan belt.
- Remove the fan belt.
3. Disconnect Hoses:
- Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the water pump inlet using pliers and a flat-head screwdriver.
- Similarly, detach the lower radiator hose from the water outlet on the pump.
4. Remove Water Pump Pulley:
- Loosen and remove the bolts securing the water pump pulley using the socket wrench.
- Take off the pulley.
5. Remove the Water Pump:
- Now, remove the bolts holding the water pump to the engine block using the socket wrench.
- Carefully remove the old water pump.
- Clean the surface where the new pump will be installed.
6. Install New Water Pump Gasket:
- Place the new water pump gasket on the surface where the pump will go, making sure it aligns properly.
7. Install New Water Pump:
- Position the new water pump onto the engine block and secure it with the bolts removed earlier.
- Tighten the bolts evenly and snugly.
8. Reinstall Water Pump Pulley:
- Put the water pump pulley back on and tighten its bolts.
9. Reattach Hoses:
- Reconnect the upper radiator hose to the water pump inlet.
- Reinstall the lower radiator hose to the water outlet.
10. Replace Fan Belt:
- Place the fan belt back in position and pivot the tensioner pulley to tighten it.
- Secure the tensioner bolt.
11. Refill Coolant:
- Locate the radiator cap and remove it.
- Pour new coolant (the correct type for your vehicle) into the radiator until it's full.
- Close the radiator cap tightly.
12. Reconnect Battery:
- Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
Testing the Water Pump:
- Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes.
- Observe the temperature gauge on the dashboard. It should remain within the normal operating range.
- Check for any leaks around the water pump and under the vehicle.
If the temperature gauge behaves normally and there are no leaks, you've successfully replaced the water pump on your 1995 Honda Prelude.
