DIY 2nd Gen Water pump replacement

Nice write up OP

 

This job was easier than I first thought, but with me the key was, 1.) taking my time and not rushing, 2.) using a Haynes manual and 3.) having the proper tools. You can do it in less that a full day.

 

I've been having an overheat issue with my truck and found this thread. I've got a 2007 2wd plain-jane tacoma pre runner, 4.0L with 205,000 on the truck and 165,000 on the engine. engine was replaced with an LKQ after an oil change place used the wrong filter and snowballed into a catastrophic failure. the LKQ engine was from a totaled truck of the same year. i cannot attest to what happened to this engine during the first 40k miles of its life, but I've taken pretty good care of it over the last 165k miles.
so, after that long explanation, the truck has been intermittently running hot. the only 'pattern' I've recognized was after long periods on the interstate at 70-75mph, then slowing down upon exiting the higher speed, she'd run very hot. over the last couple of months i've flushed the radiator twice, replaced the radiator cap, replaced the thermostat assembly and finally replaced the fan clutch. i obviously started with the cheapest fix first and worked from there. there have never been any signs of leaks from any place. but, it runs hot and overflows into (and out of) the overflow rez. therefore, it off-gasses the coolant that way. i've had to add coolant several times--but the last long trip i just took i just began adding water. every 2-3 hours of driving. she'd run hot, steaming out the reservoir and obviously be low. i let it cool off, add water each time. about a half gallon, maybe. it's only got water in it now, in preparation for what i guess is my next step in the elimination process--replacing the water pump. it doesn't leak but i can imagine it must be failing in some way. i'm ordering parts today and going with the OEM water pump, and taking the opportunity to replace the serpentine belt as well. 165k miles on the belt so i think it's a wise choice while it's off anyway. i don't think the rollers/tensioners/etc have any issues. i'll check them all out when i get elbow deep, but at this time i'm not 'planning' to replace them. local parts place has them in stock, if i gotta do it.
this post has been very helpful with pre-planning what i'm looking at with the replacement. i'm no mechanic, and this project is about the extent of skill set and comfort level.

 

Never add just water...its lowers the boiling point...

 

the boiling point of distilled water at sea level is 212 degrees. but under 14psi, it's closer to 226 degrees. that's academic. the water won't 'boil' until it reaches that point, under that pressure. and the thermostat is set at 180-185 degrees. regardless, the more air that is allowed in the system, the higher the temperature can reach. as a matter of trivia, water can be heated to well over 600 degrees without 'boiling'.
i'd be concerned about the pure water in my system, if i were to be driving any more miles. as i said, the water replaced the coolant as the coolant evaporated (boiled away). this was done purposely for a couple of reasons: i stated that i was traveling, and while traveling it is far easier and cheaper to replace with water at every fuel stop than coolant. emergent situation, right? for the journey home, and planning in my head that i will be replacing the water pump, i now can just dispose of the fluid (water) without having to recycle coolant. saves me a step. i believe it was far better to have water being released out of the overflow rez while driving down the interstate, rather than the opportunity for coolant spreading all over the roadway.
but i greatly appreciate the advice and input.

 

How much were u going through?

 

So how long did it take you?

 

Ken how did you know the water pump was bad

 

Turkey call noise and it leaked some coolant

 

What is the factory service interval on replacing water pump and the serpentine belt?

 

FYI,
I don't believe there is an interval replacement schedule for the water pump it's mostly experience . My truck is at 181k and still with the original water pump. The serpentine belt I believe is 3 years or 30k miles. I replace mine on that schedule even if it still looks okay. I rather pay $20 bucks for a belt and replace myself before it leaves me stranded on the freeway and then pay $80 for a tow truck, then have to replace the belt anyhow.

 

^this

 

The Haynes Manual says to remove the alternator and unbolt the air conditioning compressor for water pump replacement. Is this necessary?

-thanks

 

I don't recall having to unbolt the ac compressor. alternator was maybe removing a bolt? Sorry, even though I've replaced the water pump twice so far I don't have the procedure memorized.

 

I realized when I replaced my water pump 3 years ago, I didn't tighten the fan using the star pattern and now have replaced my fan clutch, so don't know if that had anything to do with the fan clutch going bad. I replaced the fan clutch and installed the fan not using the star pattern, so when the weather gets warmer in a few days, I will loosen the fan bolts and retighten the using the star pattern to be safe.

 

Thanks. The Haynes manual is quite thorough - just looking for ways to save some time.


EDIT: I replaced the water pump this weekend, I did not have to touch the AC compressor or Alternator.

 

Just noticed dripping from Water Pump area and small puddles under the truck for the last few days ...will tackle this soon or as soon as time permits!!! Nice Christmas present just like my ROOT CANAL this morning!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks Ken for the write up some years ago!! Well I think I've taken my pump as far as it's going to go. Not leaking but started to get the turkey call noise last week and it's getting progressively worse. Getting louder and louder! Can't complain, 231K miles currently on the original water pump.

Ordering all the parts now including the Aisin pump, Gates idler pullys, Gates belt tensioner, Fel Pro O ring, Stant thermostat and Gates upper and lower radiator hoses. All via Amazon which looks to have the best prices (give or take a couple bucks) and that awesome two day Prime shipping.

With the truck being 11 years old next month and pushing 240K miles I'm debating if it would be worth it to swap out the alternator and possibly the radiator while in there replacing the water pump??? How long are the original alternators and radiators lasting on these trucks on avg? Only problem is I don't have the time to do the work myself due to working two jobs. Any idea what a mechanic might charge in labor to just install the parts I supply for the water pump?

 

Just turned 330,00 miles. Still on orig. alternator and radiator. Have no plans on replacing them unless they "break." Keep in mind I do have the towing pkg. so I have the upgraded alternator, external trans. and oiler cooler. Trans. cooler will keep the radiator "cooler" than normal since the heat of the trans fluid is not in direct competition for cooling with the coolant in the radiator.
Learned a long time ago factory tow pkgs. are worth it even if you don't tow anything. Keeping oil, transmission and coolant "cooler" makes everything last longer.

Good luck

 

Thanks. I have a 4th gen and surprisingly little on YouTube. Some good ideas. I do half this work with my eyes shut anyway. Can’t seem to see the work and touch it at the same time ... at least where I end up with troubles...