Camry 2nd Gen Waterpump-Repair issue (Coffs Harbour region, anybody near?)

[youngfamily]

Camry 2nd Gen Waterpump-Repair issue (Coffs Harbour region, anybody near?)

Hey everybody!!

Now this might be a bit unusual, but I try it anyway.

Thing is, we are on travel with our old Holden Apollo Wagon (same as Camry 2nd Gen.), have all the repair manuals and happen to "experience" a waterpump that just "went". (bugger....)

Now I've got the new waterpump, have it on 2 jacks already (one on frame, one under motor accord. to repair manual) Unfortunately I've never done a "timing belt removal" yet and it's more difficult on this model than on others too it seems. (to me lol)

I also have 2 nuts I can't lose with my "average travel tools". (no big rachet, the small one feels like it breaks any minute trying to losen them lol)

I was thinking to see if somebody around the area has better (the right) tools and experience with timing belts (maybe even with old Camry's) and would be willing to give me a hand / show me how to do it. I just got stuck with this one and can't move the car.

So if somebody knows somebody?..

Anyway, I did quite a bit already, what needs to be done "only" is

getting those 2 nuts lose

take the oil-pump drive-belt off (hard to get to, any idea anybody?)

take the timing belt coverage + belt off

get the waterpump out + the new one in

timing belt back (was changed not too long ago, so should be fine still)

oil-pump belt back on (again, this thing is sooo hard to get to..)

The rest I can do on my own easily. (timing-belt cover on, firewall-bracket on, alternator bracket back on, alternator back on + driving belt, radiator hose on, filling with coolant, wheel back on)

Anyway, sorry about the "long story", maybe somebody knows somebody around here (Toormina / Coffs Harbour) or even would be able to do it and willing to help? I don't know. Just thought I try, would be awesome to fix this and learn on the way.

And any tips on how to get the oil-pump belt off/on and the 17mm nuts on the motor-firewall bracket without buying a big rachet just for that, would be great of course!!!!!

Maybe somebody knows a retired mechanic in the area? I'm reading mails few times a day and will watch this posting, not having the car running sucks..

In any case, everybody reading so far, have an awesome day and thanks for reading at all! We appreciate every attempt to help!!

Cheers,

David & "Co." (3 young kids)

[white90dx]

Do you have any aversion to buying a few more tools? Even if you buy what you need, it will be less expensive than going to a mechanic and then you can do other work on your cars (and whatever else) in the future...

The most difficult thing to do without the right tools is the crank pulley bolt, but you can use the starter 'bump' method for that (breaker bar with the right socket, wedge against something solid, crack starter for <1 second with ignition disabled)

-Charlie

[youngfamily]

No aversion to buy something Charlie, just

(a) never did a timing belt change by myself
(b) the "recommended tools" are like $700 all together, not exactly cheaper than a 2h mechanic
(c) we are on travel, car is full anyway, more tools are not exactly fitting well haha

Anyway, an update:

I got more apart now, thanks to your tip, I got the crank pulley bolt out, but how do I remove the pulley now? It doesn't move at all :-(

Also, opening the timing belt cover I saw the timing belt went as well, so have to order one and install it "without help in the form of marks on an old belt" now - the instructions are quite okay, so I think it's possible to do without having a mechanic involved, what would you say? What tools that are not costing 2 arms and 4 legs are really necessary? I don't have a torque wrench, that and something else needed? I don't plan on taking off more pulleys than necessary, what exactly is needed? Which ones can just stay?

Sorry about the questions, but like mentioned, I love doing stuff on my own, just being on travel without tools, makes it "a bit more complicated" lol

Anyway, thanks for your help so far, it helped me to take more apart than before.

Still hope somebody in the area might be able to chimp in, I reckon it's only half an hour to an hour job left after all is apart so far now. Which I probably could even let a mobile mechanic come and do, but then I would not have done it on my own

A wonderful day to everybody, any more help and tips appreciated!!

David

[white90dx]

I'm not sure how you added it up to $700 for the necessary tools. A socket set (3/8" and 1/2" drive), a couple ratchets, a breaker bar, and that's about it... Errr... I guess you need a set of combination (box/open) wrenches too to get the power steering pump loose too.

For the pulley, if you are lucky you can rock it off there. If you aren't, you will have to use a crank pulley puller. Around here, auto parts stores will rent stuff like that for almost free or free (pay, and then return after using it).

-Charlie