3FE Water Pump Replacement

[Topplestack]

Here is my question: Is it easier/faster/necessary to remove the radiator on my 91 FJ80 to replace the water pump?

So I have a nice long streak of water running down my driveway from the front of my 'new' FJ80. Guy I bought it from said he had traced the leak to the water pump. I haven't gotten in there yet to see for myself, but he did throw in a new water pump.

I've read all of the other threads on a 3FE water pump replacement. I have also gone through the 3FE Factory Service Manual and it makes it look easy, of course, they assume the engine is not in the vehicle at the time.

 

[Alleycats]

Yes I think removing the radiator might make replacing the water pump easier on a 3FE, I did it without removing it and it was a bitch.

 

[Topplestack]

Yes I think removing the radiator might make replacing the water pump easier on a 3FE, I did it without removing it and it was a *****.

I'll definitely take that into consideration. They guy I bought it from looked at me like I was crazy when I mentioned removing the radiator. Personally, I always have more trouble getting things apart then puting them back together, but knowing I have a choice is always nice.

 

[CJF]

I used to *never* remove one part to get to another part unless it was absolutely necessary. Now I've pretty much done a 180 on that: If it's gonna make the job easier as a whole (e.g., pulling the manifold cooling fan before removing the alt.), then pull it off.

So yeah, it actually does sound like a good idea, even though (like Alleycats) I never did it.

Added benefit: No danger of cracking the plastic top tank of the radiator while you're wrenching on the pump.

 

[LC8pilot]

I recently changed out my water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, radiator and a bunch of other stuff - so EVERYTHING was removed. Having good access made it all pretty easy. Plus, by removing the rad, you'll be able to get a good idea of anything else that might need attention.

I taped all the fasteners, nuts/bolts to each assembly as I removed them. Made for quick identification on reassembly.

 

[Topplestack]

I thought about doing a bunch of stuff while I was in there, but seeing as I just bought the vehicle, I don't want to dump a bunch of money into repairs just yet. Once I have it road worthy, then I plan to real start digging to different areas. While I relatively sure there aren't any hidden gotchas I want to get it registered before I do too much. Once registered, then I'll spend the money.

But yes, I do like the idea of checking the overall condition of things, I do plan to get it back in top working condition. So it looks like removing the radiator is going to be the way to go.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Chester]

$0.02 worth
Back up to step 1. Diagnose the source of your leak first.

 

[bhmmapping]

I replaced it without removing the radiator and it was terrible.

 

[Topplestack]

Back up to step 1. Diagnose the source of your leak first.

Good point. I guess I need to get under there and see what I can find before I start tearing into things.



...via telegram

 

[CJF]

$0.02 worth
Back up to step 1. Diagnose the source of your leak first.

Good catch; I can't believe I missed that.

NEVER go by a seller's word concerning what might be wrong. Always assume he didn't know what the h*ll he was talking about and then go figure it out for yourself.

Also: If that free pump ain't OEM, no way would I use it, even if the one currently in the rig is the source of the leak.

 

[FJ80Duo]

Just did the water pump this summer. It's not an easy job. You DEFINITELY want to pull the radiator.
The radiator is the easiest part of the job, maybe second only to the fan shroud. Gives you lots more room and means your wrench is not going to go through it.

 

[Topplestack]

So it does appear to be coming from the immediate vicinity around the water pump. I can't pinpoint the exact location, but all evidence suggests the leak from directly under the water pump.

Another thing suggesting the water pump is that it only leaks after the engine is shut off. Yes, I know the weep hole will do this, but should not to this extent.

 

[Topplestack]

Also: If that free pump ain't OEM, no way would I use it, even if the one currently in the rig is the source of the leak.

Has anyone had any luck with a particular aftermarket brand of water pump? I've heard to say away from aftermarket, but not all aftermarket is created equal.

 

[bhmmapping]

Has anyone had any luck with a particular aftermarket brand of water pump? I've heard to say away from aftermarket, but not all aftermarket is created equal.

Don't even consider it with the 3fe water pump, it is not something you are ever going to want to do again.

 

[Topplestack]

Next question. Online link for OEM water pump? I won't set foot in a dealership.

 

[CJF]

You haven't e-met our supporting vendors?

 

[Topplestack]

Not yet, still getting familiar with the site. That and trying to find all my tools. Still trying to find my 14mm offset wrench for the lock bolt to get my belts off. Guess I need to look around outside the forum a little.

This whole thing has me wanting to digitize my repair manuals so I can click on a hyperlink to jump to a section instead of thumbing through pages. Once I get this pump fixed, I might just do that anyway. That way it's more searchable as well.

 

[CJF]

Search the following three usernames, and use them to get your parts:

-cruiserdan

-beno

-Sam Stewart

 

[jynx]

I did mine last fall and did not remove the radiator, just put some cardboard on it and I felt like I had plenty of room for the project. More would have been nice but I did fine. 2 things to mention.

The 3FE thermostat housings are bad about stripping the studs. I pretty much destroyed the lower housing trying to get mine apart. I ended up ordering a new one from Sam. Called down to ACC and they confirmed this was common and that they had helicoil'd more than one over the years so bare that in mind if you try to get the thermostat housing apart.

Second, the absolute worse part of the water pump on the 3FE IMO is the lower hose connection that goes to the lower radiator connection. I ended up having to loosen both ends of the hose to get it out and the lower connection is behind the AC tensioner.

You will end up removing the air pump and having the alternator out of the way makes getting to the small hoses on the lower DS of the pump easier.

Also, the fan clutch and fan shroud have to come out together as the shroud does not separate.

Second calling Sam, Onur or Dan for parts. Great pricing, but more importantly, they are active in the community and are faces you will likely see out. Sam and Onur are in the SE and Dan is in the SW.

 

[Topplestack]

Right now, I'm just trying to get the lock bolt loose so I can take the drive belt off. Can't get enough clearance in there to get it to loosen up.

Edit: Time to go get a bolt extractor.