Tools and Materials Needed:
- Replacement water pump
- New Water Pump Gasket
- New Thermostat (recommended to replace it while you're at it)
- Thermostat Gasket
- Coolant (antifreeze/water mixture)
- Wrench Set
- Socket Set
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Funnel
- Rags/Towels
- Safety glasses
- Safety gloves
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Drip Pan
- Spare parts kit (belt, bolts, etc.) if necessary.
Procedure:
1. Prepare the car. Park the Tercel on a level surface, apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down completely to avoid burns. Engage the parking brake to keep the car stable.
2. Jack Up the Car. Elevate the front of your car using a jack and place jack stands at the designated lifting points to securely support it. Engage the handbrake for extra safety.
3. Drain the coolant. Locate the drain cock/petcock on the radiator, usually near the bottom. Place the drip pan beneath the drain and loosen the drain plug with a wrench. Let the coolant drain into the pan until it's empty.
4. Remove the serpentine belt. Identify the serpentine belt route. It's usually connected to the water pump, alternator, power steering pump, and crankshaft pulley. Depending on your model, you might need a wrench or a specific tool to release the belt tensioner. Once released, remove the belt from the water pump pulley.
5. Disconnect the hoses. Disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the water pump. Remove any additional hoses if needed. Use pliers or a screwdriver for hose clamps. Place a rag nearby to catch any coolant spillage.
6. Remove the bolts. Locate and remove the bolts securing the water pump to the engine block. Keep the bolts aside in a safe place.
7. Loosen and Remove the Water Pump. Use a pry bar or a large screwdriver (gently) to pry the water pump loose from the engine block. Be careful not to damage any nearby components. Remove the old water pump.
8. Clean the Mounting Surface. Clean the surface of the engine block where the water pump was to remove any old gasket residue. Make sure it's clean and free of any debris.
9. Install the New Water Pump. Take your new water pump and the new gasket. Place the gasket into the water pump groove and align the water pump with the mounting surface. Install the bolts you removed earlier and tighten them securely.
10. Reconnect Hoses. Reattach the upper and lower radiator hoses to the water pump. Secure the hose connections using hose clamps. Reconnect any other hoses that you may have removed earlier.
11. Replace the Serpentine Belt. Put the serpentine belt back onto the pulleys following the previous routing. Tension the belt using the tensioner tool or wrench.
12. Reinstall Thermostat (Optional). If you're replacing the thermostat, now is the time. Remove the old thermostat and gasket, clean the housing, and install a new thermostat and gasket.
13. Refill the Coolant. Mix coolant and distilled water following the specified ratio (usually 50/50). Use a funnel to add the coolant mixture to the radiator. Squeeze the radiator hoses gently to help eliminate air pockets.
14. Finish Up. Lower the car from the jack stands and remove the jack. Inspect everything to ensure all the hoses and connections are secure and that there are no leaks. Start the engine, let it run for a few minutes, and check for any abnormalities or leaks.
Note: The procedure described is general and may slightly differ depending on your Tercel's specific model and year. It's always a good idea to refer to the vehicle's service manual or consult a professional mechanic if you're unsure or uncomfortable with any of the steps.
