How do you replace water pump on 1996 dodge ram van?

Answer 1

The water pump on all engines is bolted directly to the engine timing chain case/cover. A gasket is used as a seal between the water pump and timing chain case/cover. If water pump is replaced because of bearing/shaft damage or leaking shaft seal, the mechanical cooling fan assembly should also be inspected. Inspect for fatigue cracks, loose blades or loose rivets that could have resulted from excessive vibration. Replace fan if any of these conditions are found. Also check condition of the thermal viscous fan drive. # Disconnect negative battery cable from battery. # Drain cooling system. # Do not waste reusable coolant. If solution is clean, drain coolant into a clean container for reuse. # Remove the plastic air cleaner intake tube. # Remove two-piece fan shroud Remove lower half first. Remove upper radiator hose at radiator. # The thermal viscous fan drive is attached (threaded) to the water pump hub shaft Remove the fan/fan drive assembly from water pump by turning the mounting nut counterclockwise (as viewed from front) Threads on the fan drive are RIGHT HAND. A Snap-On 36 MM Fan Wrench (number SP346 from Snap-On Cummins Diesel Tool Set number 2017DSP) can be used. Place a bar or screwdriver between the water pump pulley bolts to prevent the pulley from rotating. # If water pump is being replaced, do not unbolt fan blade assembly from the thermal viscous fan drive. # Remove fan blade/fan drive assembly from vehicle. # After removing fan blade/fan drive assembly, do not place the thermal viscous fan drive in the horizontal position. If stored horizontally, the silicone fluid in the viscous drive could drain into its bearing assembly and contaminate the bearing lubricant. # Do not remove the water pump pulley bolts at this time. # Remove accessory drive belt as follows: The drive belt is equipped with a spring loaded automatic belt tensioner Relax the tension from the belt by rotating the tensioner clockwise (as viewed from front) When all belt tension has been relaxed, remove accessory drive belt. # Remove the four water pump pulley-to-water pump hub bolts and remove pulley from engine. # Remove the lower radiator hose at water pump. # Loosen heater hose coolant return tube mounting bolt and remove tube from water pump. Discard the old tube o-ring. # Remove the seven water pump mounting bolts # Loosen the clamp at the water pump end of bypass hose Slip the bypass hose from the water pump while removing pump from engine. Do not remove the clamp from the bypass hose. # Discard old gasket CAUTION: Do not pry the water pump at timing chain case/cover. The machined surfaces may be damaged resulting in leaks. == # Clean gasket mating surfaces. # Using a new gasket, install water pump to engine as follows: Guide water pump fitting into bypass hose as pump is being installed. Install water pump mounting bolts Tighten bolts in a criss-cross pattern to 40 N·m (30 ft. lbs.) torque. # Position bypass hose clamp to bypass hose. # Spin water pump to be sure that pump impeller does not rub against timing chain case/cover. # Install a new o-ring to the heater hose coolant return tube Coat the new o-ring with antifreeze before installation. # Install coolant return tube and its mounting bolt to engine Be sure the slot in tube bracket is bottomed to mounting bolt. This will properly position return tube. # Connect radiator lower hose to water pump. # Connect heater hose and hose clamp to coolant return tube. # Install water pump pulley. Tighten bolts to 27 N·m (20 ft. lbs.) torque. Place a bar or screwdriver between water pump pulley bolts to prevent pulley from rotating. # Relax tension from automatic belt tensioner, Install drive belt CAUTION: When installing the serpentine accessory drive belt, belt must be routed correctly. If not, engine may overheat due to water pump rotating in wrong direction. # Install the fan blade/viscous fan drive assembly to water pump shaft. # Install fan shroud. # Install plastic air cleaner intake tube. # Install upper radiator hose and hose clamp to radiator. # Fill cooling system. # Connect negative battery cable. # Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.