Water Pumps and Transmissions

[ajward]

Hey All,

I have a couple of unrelated questions about my '89 L Fiesty (Carb'ed and a 4-speed).

First, pretty sure the water pump is going out. Are there any hidden gotcha's I need to be aware of when replacing it?

Then, the clutch is slipping... not =real= bad yet, but it's gonna have to be replaced. If possible, I'd like to put in a 5-speed when that happens. Are there many differences in the parts I'd have to scrounge to make the swap?

Thanks for any assistance,

Amanda

[packrat427]

I have never had to do a WP yet . But for the tranny all you will need is a 5 speed and a new clutch , It is a direct bolt in replacement .
I don't think a pump is too bad ,just get a Haynes repair manual , it will show you step by step.

[htchbck]

To get the pump out you will have to remove the timing belt cover and timing belt. While you have the timing belt off make sure you don't crank the engine over, because if you do it will upset the timing. Go ahead and disconnect the battery (a good idea before performing any repairs anyway) just to make sure you don't forget and crank the motor.

[mattswabb]

I felt like all I did this year was water pumps. My BP car, then my daily driver, then my new daily driver and then again when that one failed almost immediately, and then a friends festiva.

Not to bad of a job. There are 2 small screws on the crank pulley that may give you trouble, I've have to grind those off a few times. Change the timing belt while your at it since that needs removed anyways.

[5.0zone]

If your car has AC its a little tight getting to the 2 bolts that hold the inlet pipe on.
Be careful putting those back in, I cross threaded my once.

Replace the timing belt while you have it off, its only about $25.

If the engine has a lot of miles on it you might want to change the front crank seal and cam seal.

[wrestler3025]

I would replace those seals as well. They are all great recommendations by packrat, 5.0, htchbck, and mattswabb. The seals aren't that expensive, and while you have everything apart, it is cheap insurance for down the road. I replaced those two seals when htchbck and I were putting my B6 in my festiva.