How do you replace the water pump on a Lincoln Continental?

Answer 1

This is the removal and install procedure for the 3.8 L engine right from a fellow who just happens to be finishing up on doing it. It is best to record the location of each part you take off, which way a bracket is pointing and which clamp goes where, that sort of thing.

1. Drain and recycle the engine coolant
2. All bolts and nuts are metric. Now, study the label affixed atop the radiator showing the belt routing. You must remove the 4 bolts on the pully before taking off the drive belt. Using a 15 mm wrench and a helper bar ( wrench extension), remove the drive belt by prying down clockwise on the belt tensioner. (The little pully looking thing back closest to the firewall on the left as you stand at the passenger side of the vehicle. It is directly beneath the distributor.
3. Remove the bolt (18 mm)retaining the drive belt idler which is under the steering pump. Refer to the label affixed atop the radiator.
4. Disconnect the heater hose at the water pump. Remove the lower hose.
5. The pulley will remain loose on the hub because there is insufficient room between the inner fender and the water pump, restricting removal from the vehicle. You have to use your old pully so be careful not to damage it during removal.
6. Remove the water pump-to-engine retaining bolts, then have someone help you.
7. You will be able to lift the water pump up past the frame while your helper pries gently with a big bar at least 4 foot long on the face of the A/C idler which is directly un-neath the sterring pump. It just takes maybe a quarter of an inch so be gentle.

Install

1. Lightly oil all bolt and stud threads before installation except those that require sealant. Thoroughly clean, the water pump to engine gasket contact surface.
2. Position the new water pump gasket on the engine surface using Gasket Adhesive, then apply some to the pump surface also.
3. Install the water pump retaining bolts paying particular attention to the bolt that has a nut left on it. This bolt goes in the hole that is directly beneath the alternator. Thighten the retaining bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm) Make sure the bolts go back where they came from cause they are two different sizes and if you put them in worng you can damage your engine.
4. Install the water pump pulley bolts, then tighten the bolts to 16 ft. lbs (21Nm)
5. Connect the heater water hose to the water pump.
6. Install the drive belt idler and other parts in reverse order, then install the drive belt.
7. Connect the negative battery cable, then fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of approved coolant and water. Start and run the engine until it reaches normal operating temparatures, then check for leaks and check the coolant level.