How do you change a water pump on a 1990 Ford Thunderbird SC?

Answer 1

Major surgery (and you need some special tools)... if you don't have a service manual... I would greatly suggest you get one. But here is the lowdown:

1. Remove cooling fan and drain the cooling system.

2. You will need to remove the intercooler air tubes. This isn't that complicated. Two nuts on each tube (13mm) and you CAN reach both from the top of the car. Remove two bolts (10mm) that hold the INTERCOOLER radiator to the car frame. Slightly push down to disengage the bottom mounting clips and gently remove.

3. Remove belts and now the tough part... remove the steering pump and water pump pulleys. There are two different tools to do this. You might be able to rent at your local auto parts store... so ask! I used a 3 tooth pulley remover for the water pump pulley (after removing 4 small bolts) and a steering pulley remover/installer for the latter. Best if you coat the shafts with some WD-40 or my favorite PB Rust Blaster, to unseize the rust.

4. Remove the steering pump bracket that attaches to water pump (4-17mm bolts).

5. Remove all hoses from the water pump.

6. Remove 9 nuts and bolts from the water pump. I would suggest that you label or mark each nut/bolt for installation.

7. Use a rubber mallet to break the seal on the water pump/engine.

8. Use paper towel to block the two openings into the engine. This will prevent any old gasket material from getting into the engine. Clean the old gasket off of the engine, BE CAREFUL not to gauge the metal. Use gasket remover if necessary.

9. Install in reverse order. Don't forget the new gasket and gasket sealer. One tip is to lightly oil all bolt and stud threads. Tighten bolts to 20-30Nm (15-22 lb-ft).

10. Install steering pump bracket. Use steering pump pulley installer tool to installer the pulley.

11. Replace any worn hoses/belts. Re-install hoses and belts.

12. Install the intercooler radiator and re-attach cooler tubes.

13. Fill cooling system with coolant and check for leaks.

14. Re-install electric fan.