Replace Water Pump on 96 Ranger

[rhowell5]

I am new to this forum and I am looking for information on removing the water pump from a 96 Ford Ranger?

 

[Tbars4]

..:scratch: which motor do you have?

 

[rhowell5]

Sorry should have included the vehicle information it is a 2.3L with 5 speed transmission. I had posted the question because all of the material I could find stated you had to unbolt the AC compressor and Power Steering Pump (unbolt from mounting brackets but don't disconnect any to the lines) and the remove the timer belt cover.

After crawling over and under the truck I took a different approach. This water pump seals with O-rings and there is a metal tube that slips into the water pump and then snakes through the frame and the bottom radiator hose and heater hose connect to this metal tube. I unbolted the tube from the frame and it slide right out and then the water pump will pull straight out. This was much easier than unbolting the AC, PS pump and removing the timing belt cover.

 

[Tbars4]

..Here is a link for changing the 2.3L water pump..
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=316001&highlight=pump

..What you were describing sounds more along the line of changing the timing belt..:scratch:

 

[rhowell5]

The instructions provide were excellent! This is precisely how I removed and replaced the water pump. The instructions I found at 2 different parts houses along with what I was told by 1 mechanic all indicated that the timing belt cover had to be removed to replace the water pump, which is why i referenced removing the timing belt cover.

From your post the only thing I did not do is apply any RTV to the connection between the snout and the water pump. I did apply RTV to the pump where it connected to the block. I don't have any leaks and the truck is running great.

I really appreciate the advice and helpful folks on this forum. I spent a Saturday afternoon making the repair, learned a little bit and saved about $600 based on 2 estimates I received from repair shops.

 

[Tbars4]

..I have found little information on our 2.3l's and of that, I've found a lot of mis-information..

..I've tried and will keep posting stuff here as it comes up to repair on my 2.3L Ranger and hope others will also share their information too..Glad to see you were able to get your pump r&r'd..:biggthump