Never done this on the Cherokee. Read the forums for the how too's but none state how long this should take. Can this be done in a couple hrs or should I wait til the weekend to tackle this job?

 

Wait til the weekend. There is alot that needs to come off the front of the engine.

 

What a coincedence! I just changed mine today. I guess it took me 2 1/2 hours total from beginning to end changing it and the thermostat also. It would go a LOT faster except I removed the cooloing fan and the shrouds and the metal ledge over the radiator. Plus the belt adds time.

 

Oh and the round metal flat pulley that mounts oun the front of the water pump wouldnt come off so it took me 15 minutes to get that off.

 

Thanks. Think I will tackle this tonight n see how long it takes me.

 

Took me 3 hours, I have a 99 if it makes a difference. There is a weird weird way the tensioner pulley works it's a bolt on the bracket of the top right pulley (if you are facing the front of the jeep) loosen it a ways, and the belt will come right off. Buy the new water pump first so you can look at it and get a picture of where the 7 bolts that hold it on are. you will need extensions for your ratchet.

It's not bad it just sucks working between the mechanical fan and the radiator.

Also buy a new water pump gasket (not sure if that's what it's called...) as yours will probably come off in pieces as mine did. Use a paint scraper to get the old gasket off and then sand the whole area that touches where the new gasket will go to make sure you get a good seal

Add back the fluid you lost and crack a beer

Also, it's good to have somebody else help and hold the light for you makes it a ton easier when you can see what your doing bs not have to feel around blindly.

Enjoy and good luck!

 

I'll be installing a Flowkooler, OffroadBound Triple Elec. Fan and Champion radiator next week. I can't wait!!

 

Just finished swapping the water pump n thermostat out. Started at 7 and it's now 9:30 so about 2 1/2 hrs with clean up n test drive. Not a bad job. Thought it would be a lot worse. Thanks for the input everyone!!

Oh and that was by myself with no power tools.