I have an '02 Neon with single cammer 2 liter. It's getting due for timing belt change. Seeing as the water pump is driven by the belt i figured it would be a good idea to change it at the same time. My question : is it possible to change the pump without completly remove inner timing belt cover. Factory service manual stated that it must come off and to do so the crank pulley for the belt must be removed. There is a special tool required for removal and installation of this pulley. I don't have it and really don't want to get it. I have more than enough tools I use once every couple of years. My idea to cheat is to loosen all bolts/nuts holding inner belt cover to block/head and lean it outwards hopefully exposing enough room to sneak old pump out and new pump in. I'm hoping someone here has been into this engine enough to have an idea as to whether this might work. I don't want to get this apart and find i do really need another one time use tool. Thanks in advance for idea suggestions even if it to buy the tool you cheap bum. &|
Joined: Mon Oct 10 2005, 10:29AM
Location: Metamora, MI 48455
Posts: 43
Those motors are a lot like the engines in my Mitsubishi Eclipse turbo, and yes, you do have to take it all apart. Of course, since you have to do the timing belt anyways and it will be apart for that, then is the perfect time (and the recommended time, as well). I don't think that you will get the cover to lean back far enough. Also, I think that the pump seals to the block in the same manner that a SB mopar seals to the timing cover, so you'll need room to scrape off the old gasket anyways. When it comes to the one-time use parts, I just make my own once I see what I'm using it for...ends up working out for my wallet the best.
Now you just need a turbo for that baby and it'll be a whole 'nother world..
Thanks for the input. I'm going to try to get some info on the tool before I get into the job so I can have some stuff handy (threaded rod,pipe,bolts,etc). And if that doesn't work, I'm going to blast. As for the turbo, I've always wanted to use a General Electric turbosupercharger as was installed in the Lockheed Lightning (p-38). Might take a few days to spool up,but look out!