Changing out water pump tips? Help?

[NateHertz]

After work I'm swapping my water pump for a new one on my stock festiva any helpful tips? Directions? I don't have a repair manual and haven't done one before

[TominMO]

Tip one: get a repair manual. Much easier than back-and-forth Q&A on the web, for this and future jobs. You may still have some questions, but they will not be really basic ones, saving you time.

If you will also be doing the O-ring in the bypass tube, after installing it cover it with silicon, then let it cure for a day. While you're at it, you might want to take this opportunity to pull that tube and re-paint it.

Also, since you had to drain the rad anyway, see if it would be a good idea to replace rad hoses, heater hoses, and the little bendy hose on the bypass tube, near cyl #4. Maybe do a heater core flush too.

[jawja jim]

^ what Tom said about the manual.

[william]

If you get a manual don't torque the pullie bolts to wat it says I can't remember what the manual says exactly I'm think 45fp or something but it's way to much just get them snug. Several people here have broke the bolts

[TominMO]

If you get a manual don't torque the pullie bolts to wat it says I can't remember what the manual says exactly I'm think 45fp or something but it's way to much just get them snug. Several people here have broke the bolts

The Haynes manual says 14 - 19 foot-lbs. Same as thermostat housing BTW.

[WmWatt]

Just another vote for getting the Haynes manual. If you keep the car for a while the money saved doing repairs yourself more than pays for the book. Even if you take it to a shop to get something done you can read up on it, talk knowingly to the mechanic, and avoid misunderstandings, not to mention impressing the mechanic with your knowledge (ie they won't be able to snow you).

[Dragonhealer]

What Tom said!
And don't ignore the "little bendy hose" on the bypass....or you may regret it....
FWIW, pump pulley bolts torque 5-7 lb/ft.

[ricko1966]

Do not buy the cheapest pump you can find. I have examples I can show of impellers that have fallen off. I always buy a new pump not reman regardless of the warranty who cares if it has a lifetime warranty I don't want to do it again.

[TominMO]

Do not buy the cheapest pump you can find. I have examples I can show of impellers that have fallen off. I always buy a new pump not reman regardless of the warranty who cares if it has a lifetime warranty I don't want to do it again.

Absolutely; buy the best parts you can get your hands on, as a general rule.