How do you replace the water pump on a 1990 Subaru Legacy?

Answer 1

did this just last month. CHECK the build date of the car (on tag that resides on the pillar between the doors, there are 3 possible water pumps, you gotta get this one right), get, or make sure you have the right pump. Remove rad fan(s), trying not to break the mounting bolts, take out the radiator and the accessory belts, remove the crank pulley (on installation this must be torqued to 80ft/lbs, or it will loosen) remove the timing belt cover(s), and the timing belt so you are just staring at the front of the engine. The pump is at the bottom right of all this mess if you are standing at the front bumper looking in. Remove all the hoses attached to the water pump, carefully inspecting them, you want to replace them (if needed) NOW, they are a witch later. Remove the water pump bolts noting their location, there are 3 different lengths, replace it being careful, the block will strip BEFORE you break a bolt, you don't want to go there. Put everything back together, replace the timing belt, being careful to get the timing right. The belt adjuster should be SLOWLY compressed in a hydraulic press, too fast and you will be buying a new one (I have used a hydraulic floor jack and a parked truck to do this if no press is available) use a finishing nail, or small Allen key to hold the adjuster in a compressed position (through the holes). Mount the adjuster, double check the timing belt position before and after releasing the adjuster, sometimes this takes a couple of tries, don't be ashamed, it is a bi*ch. Carry on replacing all you took off. Sometimes refilling the cooling system can be a problem, it seems that some cars tend to air lock, I filled mine slowly and ran it with the cap off until the thermostat opened, topping it up afterward. Go for a drive checking the coolant level frequently for about the next week. This "fun" little job is probably best done on a set of ramps.