3FE Water Pump Replacement

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Pulled mine off this AM. Did not remove radiator. Did not remove air pump. Did not remove alternator. You do have to loosen the alternator bracket where it bolts to alternator and obviously the 2 bolts/ nuts that hold both the alternator bracket and the water pump. I loosened both the clamps on that hose that runs to the bottom tube, as well as both bolts that clamp that tube in place, it came right off. But beware, the block will then puke its guts out on you. Like jinx say the worst is the hose that runs from the WP outlet to the tube then another section of hose to the bottom of the radiator. I could not get at the clamp at the outlet. I had 2 of the long studs for the WP still in the block. No way the WP can come off with the PS and AC (in particular the AC idler pulley) in place.......unless as I finally realized...you remove the studs using the double nut method. Once they are gone the pump can be moved and rotated and the rubber hose crushed to clear the AC idler pulley and bracket. The install will be later this week. Getting all new hoses and clamps....not wanting to go back in there anytime soon.
 
I decided to pull the radiator. Seeing as I just purchased the vehicle, I want to see what it looks like behind there and it gives me an opportunity to do a lot of preventative maintenance and cleaning. I can tell the previous owner took good care of the vehicle for the most part, but perhaps the last couple of years it hasn't gotten as much attention as it normally did.

Currently, I can't get the nuts holding the fan clutch off. Both Idler Pulley lock bolts won't budge. I cut the AC belt (replacing it anyway) to get in to the Alternator Belt, yes it needs to be loosened in order to get to the water pump. Unfortunately, my problem is the Alternator belt is not tight enough to hold everything in place to remove the 4 nuts without the belt slipping and allowing everything to turn.

I have put some high quality silicone based bike oil on the lock bolts in several places and allowing it to soak in for a couple days. Spent 4 hours yesterday trying to get in there unsuccessfully. Will try again tomorrow after the kids are in bed.

I wasn't planning on replacing much once I got in there. At this point, I'm not even sure it will pass the required Safety & Emissions, so I am hesitant to put too much money in, but it passed with flying colors last year, I just need to decide if I am committed enough.

I'm also not in a huge hurry. I want to get it running by June at the latest, I'm just not sure about throwing a $1000 into it before then.
 
I finally managed to get the belts off, fan/clutch, and radiator. Slowly been removing parts. Here is what the water pump looks like from below. At this point it is clearly the water pump and not an attached hose.

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Finally got parts in to put everything back together.
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Hey y'all... Came up with a work around for getting the pump out without yanking the ac idler pulley and the associated jazz. Chop the pump inlet off with a sawzall! Slides right out, then pull the studs out of the block with vice grips. Nice N Easy
 
Here’s my how to video. Yes much easier replacing the radiator at the same time or remove it for this job.
 

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