Water Pump + etc.

[supercharger]

I have a 1993 Corolla 1.8 Lsi, automatic, cruise, no anti-lock with about 250,000 miles on it. I keep this baby running with as little maintenence as possible because it still gets 30+mtg for my commute. Now I've hit a bit of a problem.

I was leaking fluid and after pressure testing with the thermostat out I can see it's leaking from the water pump area. Not sure if it's the weep hole or gasket but it looks like it needs replacing.

My first question is, how much other stuff should I do while I do this job?

Replacing the water pump is such a PITA it looks like I should do the timing belt too. My valves click like crazy too so I've been meaning to check and replace the adjustement shims as well. I also leak oil from the valve cover and possible other places. (some idiot used a screwdriver to pry off the cover before the car was in my possesion)

It looks like the things I should do are: 1) replace water pump 2) replace timing belt 3) replace timing belt tensioner 4) replace cranksaft seal 5) replace camshaft seal 6) check and replace adjustment shims

Anything I'm missing here?

The parts I think I'll need are 1) water pump 2) timing belt and tensioner 3) cam and crankshaft seals 4) adjustment shims 5) valve cover gasket kit 6) timing cover gasket

If I have to replace all 8 shims, I'm looking at about $300 for parts alone.

I barely (seriously, by 1 point) passed smog in 2005 and without an overhaul I doubt I'll pass in 2007 so I'm wondering if you guys think its worth it to replace everything I've listed.

[ghost_ryder35]

defintly, everything you listed is perfect, I would also do thermostat, and flush the cooling system, and while your getting dirty might as well replace the 02 sensor

[toyotaspeed90]

you don't have to do the timing belt....... it depends on your ability and what tools you have....

the water pump does go back behind the timing covers.... but.... there are 3 covers.... the water pump goes back behind the middle one.... you could just pull the first two and access the water pump bolts that are back there...... getting the bottom cover off is going to require some more work and tools.... including getting the car off the ground, the wheel off, and the crank pulley off (which usually requires a puller).

[toyotaspeed90]

eh, i just read the rest of it....

timing cover gaskets aren't required as it's just a dust seal (no oil or water passes through it like a chain design)

if you're going to do the shims yourself.... buy a book from toyota or at least one of haynes or chiltons.....

[supercharger]

There's a machine shop at my work so I have access to tons of tools including gear pullers, cherry pickers, etc. I don't want to lift out the whole engine though, I think I'm going to use the wooden block hydraulic jack trick on the oil pan. I have jackstands and I was planning on taking the wheel and fender jacket off. I also bought the special tool for the valve adjustment shims some time ago when it was on sale for $20. I've been meaning to do that job for a while.

I have the Haynes manual and the Factory Service Manual plus I grabbed some diagrams from here that are mainly for Camry's but look like almost the same engine.

I just changed the termostat and gasket because I thought that was my original problem so that's done. O2 sensors look pricey, I'll have to think about that one.

About pulling the crankshaft pulley off: Should I worry about the jaws of the gear puller damaging it? Can I shove some rag pieces in there to protect it?

Also, has anyone bought the adjustment shims recently? My Chevy dealer said they don't carry them and to call VPI Vintage Parts but Toyota can still get them. They're $15 each but only take a day to get in.

Are there any special tools I'll need aside from the gear puller and maybe a strap wrench to do the water pump and timing belt?

[toyotaspeed90]

with the engine in the car.... tiny fingers......

when i use a jaw puller to pull a pulley off..... i generally find a socket that the center part of the puller can push against but won't thread in to.... keeps from damaging the crank... just be careful and keep it even.... you CAN break the pulley

[supercharger]

Thanks for the help guys. It looks like O2 sensors are pretty cheap on ebay. Do I need one from a California car (like mine) or will the included splice kit do it for me?

[retiredat44]

I recommend timing belt, timing belt tensioner along with the water pump. Also check the water hoses. There is a water hose that goes to a pipe in the back of the engine that's a real SOB to replace. But, since you will be doing that much work, might as well make sure everything is good. Also check the belts...

[diver9000]

You can go to your local auto parts store and buy almost any 2 or 4 wire Bosch O2 sensor and it will work as long as you connect the wires properly. They arent very expensive.

[silverxls]

i dont know if the rolla has one...but if there is an idler pulley for the timing belt, along with the tensioner, i would replace it also with all those miles. i have a friend with a camry who changed his belt, pump, tensioner but didn't do the idler....10k miles later it went out and he had to do it all over...

[retiredat44]

My a/c idler has 311,000 miles on it...
the idler for the timing belt was about $60.00 at Napa auto parts. the Timing Belt I think was about $20.00.
can't remember how much the water pump was. Always try to get lifetime warranty with your parts.
IMHO