Water pump pulley removal

[stefan]

Ok guys, im trying to get my timing belt cover off but im having trouble with the water pump pulley. When i try to turn the bolts off the pulley just rotates and i cant hold it still. And in the haynes manual in section 2a, timeing belt instructions it says "Refer to section 3 for removing pulley" and in section 3 it says "refer to section 2a" lol

[mattswabb]

I always do this 1st. Leave the belt on (to aid in friction) and wedge something (maybe a 2x4) in there so the pulley won't move. Then break the screws loose.

Most important thing when doing the pump is to clean the block surface where the pump goes. Use a scraper, then a razor blade, then steel wool or scotch brite pad.

[stefan]

thats what i was thinking, but the book said to take off the belt first, oh well i guess ill slap it back on

[htchbck]

I always just wedge a flathead screwdriver in between two of the screws and hold it while I loosen the third screw, and continue around the circle till they are all loose... just don't back each one out very far (just enough to break it loose) or you'll risk the pressure snapping the screw off (did that once too)