Need quick help so I can order parts for weekend

[JimMadsen]

I have been having heating problems and took the 2000 Merc Mountaineer V8 AWD with about 170k on it. I took it in for a pressure test of the coolant and it was leaking from around the hoses secondary the thermostat being replaced with the hoses not tightened all the way. Not using that garage again.... That problem was fixed and I had a flush done at the same time.

Last night had a lot of leaking from area of the water pump. I am ordering that on amazon http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BZLE7W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER and am wondering what else I should also replace. Money is a huge factor as I ain't got much. I can budget 200 for the entire job, parts new coolant etc.

The hoses seemed to be fine at the pressure test, but I am pricing those out anyways. Should I also do the timing chain? I believe it is right behind the pump and should be kinda easy to get to once the pump is off. Please correct me there.

I have not noticed any problems with the engine showing timing belt wear. Honestly I would just want to get through to some warmer weather when I can do some more work in comfort. I do not mind replacing the coolant again in 4 months. If I get the chain now, what else would I need besides this:
http://www.amazon.com/Competition-C...r=2000|2000&carId=001&n=15684181&s=automotive

Also stupid question, but I can buy the uncut coolant from the store and cut myself with distilled water to save cash, get 2 gallons coolant and that would turn into 4 correct?

Thanks all!

 

[HenryTS77]

The only thing I can help you with is the antifreeze question. The reason they sell the 50/50 mix is convenience but boy do you pay for it. I am looking at an Advance Auto Parts ad and they have on sale Prestone 50/50 mix for $12 and full strength for $13. The best way is if you have 2 empty bottle from Antifreeze of the same kind ( if not rinse them) and pour half of each full strength into the 2 bottles and top them off with distilled water, This is what I do and have no problems and it does save $$$$.

 

[JimMadsen]

Yeah I plan on doing just that. But I had to ask before I screwed it all up. I think I am going to just do the pump and wait for spring on the timing chain. I need to look at replacing the ac condenser (or at least bypass it) tensioner should be replaced and the serp belt is at least 2 years old. May not need to be changed, but I will have it off anyways. Alt may need to be looked at then as well. So I figure set aside some and do a major job when it is warmer.

That being said, if I can easily get the timing chain out when the pump is off, I am not opposed to replacing it now. Just not sure how easy it is once the pump has been removed. I mean if we are talking about a few bolts, its a no brainer.

 

[Kevlar7R]

Another victim of the pressurized coolant flush scam. Your cooling system is only designed for 13psi. When they pressure flush them, they go much higher, up to 60 psi or so. This usually leads to hose failures a short time later, but can also blow out water pump seal.

I would replace all the hoses while you have it apart, because my money is on them popping in the next few months.

 

[JimMadsen]

Yeah I was thinking along the same lines. Which hoses would need to get done? I am not too sure (I haven't had the time to start digging around in it) on how many hoses and where they would be. I know there is the upper and lower rad hose, I assume replacing the one from the outlet of the water pump is a good idea, how about further down the line like the one going to the heater core? Where does one stop?