Here’s how to replace a water pump and engine coolant on a Honda with a 4 cylinder engine.
This procedure applies to the Honda Accord, Element, CR-V and Acura TSX.
The water pump is responsible for circulating coolant in the engine block. On Honda K24 series engines, the water pump is driven by the accessory belt, instead of the timing belt. This makes replacing the water pump fairly easy.
Signs of water pump failure include a noisy bearing, coolant leaking from the mating surface, weep hole, or gasket, or a broken impeller. Replacing the water pump as a maintenance item before failure is recommended, because when the water pump does give out, the engine may over heat, causing serious engine damage.
Replacing the water pump is fairly straight forward. The accessory belt is first removed, followed by the power steering pump and idler pulley. The power steering reservoir and hose is unclipped out of the way, allowing free access to the water pump near the bottom of the engine block.
Next, the coolant must be drained from the radiator, and optionally, the engine block itself. There are six 10mm bolts that hold the pump to the block. Have a catch can ready down below when pulling the old pump off the engine as there may still be coolant left in the block.
Clean all mating surfaces on the new pump and engine block with brake cleaner. Replace the gasket if necessary. Reinstall the water pump and torque it to 102 inch – pounds using a torque wrench. Getting the bolts exactly the same torque is critical to avoiding leaks, or broken bolts.
Replace the idler pulley, power steering pump, belt and power steering reservoir. Refill the cooling system with a borate and silicate free compatible coolant. This is important, as the wrong coolant could cause buildup of deposits or internal engine corrosion. Do not use GM Dexcool coolant!
Leave the radiator cap off and start the engine. Allow it to warm up and the bubbles to escape. Turn the heat on high, and don’t rev the engine. Once the cooling fans turn on, and no more bubbles pop up from the radiator cap, replace it, and refill the coolant overflow jug.
Take the vehicle for a test drive and ensure there are no leaks or issues with overheating.
Replacing the thermostat is also recommended while the coolant has been drained from the engine. That procedure can be found here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypngBdpPMhwd
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Nice video, but anyone who wants to try this at home I’d say don’t do it. It will be a huge pain in the neck just trying to work in that very small area. You are better off just spending the money and having a mechanic do it.
Nice fluid video with no bs. Thumbs up
I don't own one, but this is a great video. Wonderful description of what you are doing and using to remove the water pump. Thanks
Great video! Thanks
Hi,
What is the best brand of water pump?
Thank .
You just made me a smarter person. .. vroom vroom
nice tutorial video – straight to the point, no wasted seconds.
Thanks you b much
Where's you go the parts
It's not as easy as he says. Clearance between the pump and side wall is very tight and you need to use a Rachel wrench to go between the pulley and bolt w/ a pipe to get leverage. Also the pump does not slide as easily as it shows. Very narrow and you need to move the alternator slightly to remove. I love these guys, but come on. Also, this car he is working doesn't look like my Honda. Close enough but not exactly the same.
Great video looks easy but not
I got a question is there no need to apply silicone gasket on the water pump? also my water pump is leaking could it be just the gasket inside the water pump? it's the same k24 engine you're working on