Need help with replacing water pump, 1993 Camry V6

[MikeRenton]

So, my engine keeps overheating, and I'm figuring it's the water pump failing, and must replace it.

Thing is, I can't really get to it. It's right under the timing belt, which I can't remove. I'm getting steadily frustrated as this car is my only source of transportation at the moment, and I must go to the grocery store.

If anyone has a clue how to do this, I would be very grateful.

[shajbot]

If you can't get it from above, do it bottom up.

[toyomoho]

http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId...00c1528007421a

[BillyBopBop]

OK you say it's overheating and you think the water pump is the issue. Usually when a water pump goes bad it starts to leak 1st as the sign it's about to fail. You need to verify why your overheating. Did you check the fan's, thermostat, coolant in the system. etc... Can you give more details and we can help you out. If it is the water pump you have to get in there from the top after pulling the timing belt and all the covers. So be sure it is bad before pulling it apart. Give as much detail as you can.... John

[cmjohnson]

While you're there, do the timing belt change. It's standard practice to change the water pump when doing the timing belt anyway, because the belt has to come off, so you might as well replace the belt with a new one, then you're assured that THAT's done for at least another 60,000 miles. (But they always last over 80,000 miles.)

Do your homework, know the procedure for aligning the timing of the gears, do it right, with the right tools,
because if you don't, your car won't run right if it runs at all.

AND, DO NOT CHEAP OUT ON ANY PARTS! Use top quality brand name replacement parts ONLY. A
rebuilt water pump is fine, but make sure it's rebuilt by a company that has a VERY good reputation and
an even better warranty.


But, the big thing I'm seeing is that water pumps rarely cause overheating problems. Your entire cooling
system needs to be looked at. Lower thermostat, upper thermostat, ANY leaks in the coolant system.

Watch your coolant level very carefully. In the coolant filler port, NOT in the coolant bottle. And be sure
you're running a proper antifreeze mix. If the coolant level is going down slowly, you HAVE a leak. You
must find it and take care of it.

Odds are that if you haven't changed your radiator yet, it's probably due. I changed mine a few years ago
and that cured problems I wasn't even sure I'd call problems.


CJ


CJ

[Luckynumber5]

Doubt it's the water pump. Let the car get to operating temperature and pop the hood, check to see if the entire radiator is warm or if there are cold spots. If there are cold spots do a complete flush and replace your thermostat. There is also the possibility that the fan is not operating properly (they don't last as long as you think.)