sogabe

Hi, Ive got a 91 RS w/ almost 200k miles.

its a 3.1 engine and
I take a good care of it so it's been pretty reliable as my daily driver.

recently, I found a bad leak from butom side of the water pump.

So I already ordered a new pump, caz I know this indicates worn out pump.

Im gonna take the belt off, drain the coolant out,
and bolt out the water pump, scrape off gaskets sludge etc,
and slide the new one in.

I know I'm gonna have to unbolt some of the PS assembly bolt to get it out of the way,
but besides that should I be cautious about anything?

anyone has any tip or caution doing this thing? I do have basic skills and tools,
but just never done this so I would like to know!! thanks

firstfirebird

iTrader: (3)

Your PS pump will be a PITA. There is a bolt (actually it might be a nut) low and at an upward angle (15mm IIRC).

I left the lower bracket completely off for future service .

Use plenty of RTV, mine still sweats when hot (used about 1/8" coat on the gasket).

sogabe

thanks firebird, I'll buy some extra RTV
so I'll never have to take it apart again til it breaks next time.

about the PS though,
if I move them away or something, will the position of PS go out of adjustment
and thus fail the belt? or am I worrying too much?

firstfirebird

iTrader: (3)

No, you have a serp belt system and the PS pump is always in the same position .

Bolt it back in place only using the top bracket (thick aluminum one) and you will be fine.

sogabe

cool, thanks!

so I guess anything besides that are pretty simple right?

I'll get the results up :P

firstfirebird

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, also will be easier to loosten the pulley bolts while the belt is still on. I used an impact and it came right off. If you don't have air, you can cut a wedge out of wood to pinch between the belt and a pulley to keep the pump pulley from spinning.

sogabe

cool.. I dont have air, so what exactly u mean to pinch between the belt and pulley?
like stick a little wood beneath the belt so it wont spin?

firstfirebird

iTrader: (3)

If you need to.

Also don't forget to seal the threads on the bolts that need it. You will be able to tell which ones when you pull them cause they will have a white goo on the threads.