Fitting new water pump on 87 1.9 water cooled. Easy???

Post by **winber55** » 28 Aug 2007, 07:28

Hi there, Husband and I have just bought our first van but have noticed the fan belt was squealing like hell whenever we started it up. Got father-in-law to tighten belt when he realised that the water pump is knocking and rattling so is knackered!! Question is how easy is this job to do? Should we consider doing it ourselves or pay a fortune and get a garage to do it? Thanks in advance for any help we are major novices!

Post by **big red bus** » 28 Aug 2007, 07:56

Changed a few my self and not difficult if you are handy with spanners. Good luck.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 28 Aug 2007, 08:13

It isnt hard if you can do mech stuff.. but get a Haynes manual and read it..
Most important thing is to bleed the cooling system correctly after...
Look on here in the "WIKI" for that...

Not many garages are willing to work on these either, so ask about and see if anyone in your area has the knowledge...

Post by **winber55** » 28 Aug 2007, 08:30

got a manual that came with the van and father in law is fairly handy with the spanners so maybe we will try it out ourselves

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 28 Aug 2007, 11:49

I've changed the metal 'J' waterpipe running from the water pump ... the stud sheared (Quelle surprise !

) so had to swap the pump too.

The trickiest thing was to get to the bottom bolt holding the metal water pipe to the pump, our's was an M8 socket headed bolt .. don't know if all of them are ? I had to remove the nearside tinware to get a long extension in.

As with everything on these vans be prepared for the job to escallate as things snap off ... sorry to sound a word of pessimism but you're better off knowing now than finding out later.

Cheers,Ian.

Post by **Nicola&Tony** » 28 Aug 2007, 20:04

To save you going to VW for the part: I ordered a replacement water pump and associated bits about 3 weeks ago, from VW. They took the order and payment but rang me about a week later to say that the part was obsolete and they'd refund me, which they did.

I was going to try GSF next but the leak from our water pump seems to have somehow healed itself during the 1,300 miles that we did when we were away on holiday, and since I've fitted a new belt. Keeping my fingers crossed now.

Tony

Post by **winber55** » 31 Aug 2007, 06:26

Thanks for all your help. Got part coming today and hubby and father in law are gonna tackle it tommorow. Another question that has come up is do they need to drain the system completely or is there an easier way? Thinking it may do it good to just replace the anti freeze completely?

Post by **trickydicky** » 31 Aug 2007, 10:46

As you don't know the history of the van you are properly better of draining it and putting in the pink stuff to the correct ratio. If you reckon that isn't necessary then you can disconnect the hose at the water pump and collect the water in containers to reuse, just bear in mind the heater matrix, radiator and water jacket around the most of the block are both higher so you do get a lot out.
The only way you can save a bit is to try to get the back high (jacks/ramps) and the front low (air out of the tyre's) personally I would give it a good flush and put new in, but be prepared for leaks after

Post by **toomanytoys** » 31 Aug 2007, 11:33

As you dont know whats in there..(unless it looks clean and fresh) Best to change it
I wouldnt use the VW "pink" stuff... as its an old vehicle the expesive VW stuff isnt going to repair any problems..

a good quality aftermarket antifreeze is all thats needed... and remember the system hold 18 L of the stuff, so look out for concentrate or use as is and get enough...

Post by **winber55** » 03 Sep 2007, 06:28

Tahnks for all your helpful tips guys. They managed to get it done (along with alot of swearing!). Didn't drain the whole system in the end cos it looked pretty good but have topped up with the pink stuff after. Souds ten times better now. Next job to be done is the drivers side door lock. Hopefully that will be abit easier?!!!

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 03 Sep 2007, 07:45

winber55 wrote: Next job to be done is the drivers side door lock. Hopefully that will be abit easier?!!!

30 minute job ..... for a change

and that's allowing for a brew to celebrate.

Ian.