The water pump in a 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis moves the coolant in the engine through to the radiator, and back again. This pump is essential for cooling down the engine, and if it stops working, then the Mercury's engine will most likely overheat, causing serious damage to the engine. If you think your water pump is failing, or if you hear the water pump pulley squealing, then you should replace the water pump as soon as possible.
Tools Used: Large drain pan, 50-50 pre-diluted coolant, Open-end wrench set, 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket set, 3/8-inch breaker bar, Razor blade, Replacement water pump, Replacement water pump gasket, RTV sealant, Flathead screwdriver
Water Pump Replacement Instructions
Let the engine cool down. Put the pan under the radiator. Open the radiator cap. Open the petcock on the radiator and drain the cooling system into the drain pan.
Remove the fan on the water pump with an open-end wrench. Turn the tensioner on the engine counterclockwise with the 3/8-inch breaker bar, and then remove the belt from the water pump pulley. Unbolt the water pump pulley from the water pump shaft with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses from the water pump with the flathead screwdriver. Unbolt the water pump from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Take the pump off of the engine, then scrape the mounting surface on the water pump with the razor blade to clean off any gasket residue.
Coat both sides of the replacement water pump gasket with the RTV sealant, then bolt the replacement water pump onto the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Reinstall the radiator hoses to the water pump with the flathead screwdriver. Install the water pump pulley onto the replacement water pump with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
Turn the belt tensioner counterclockwise with the 3/8-inch breaker bar, and reinstall the belt onto the water pump pulley. Reinstall the fan onto the water pump pulley with an open-end wrench. Fill the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant.
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