i have a 2001 GCL and the engine keeps overheating and i changed the thermostat so I believe it the Water pump. does anyone have a write up for replacing this thing and how difficult is it. I don't have a tonn of tools.
thanks

 

Verify that the pump is the issue, take your belt off and try to turn it by hand

 

Another item to be checked is cooling fan .

 

fan is working already checked, when i turn the water pump what am i looking for? there has been a weird humming type sound coming from the engine compartment also

 

It should spin freely with slight drag from coolant

 

Maybe you should tell us what engine you have.

 

This might be of help. >http://www.jeepsunlimited.com/forums...d.php?t=468675

 

thanks ol'blue I really appreciate the help instead of the sarcasm that some DB's here post.

 

When my water pump went, i also had a "grumbling" noise under the hood. With no belt, when you try to turn the pulley, you should feel a sort of "gritty" feeling.....just not nice and smooth. that is if it is the bearing/bushing thats bad.

 

My 97 ZJ had that grumbling sound. I took the belt off and I could move the fan blade sideways about 1/2"! It still wasn't leaking or overheating, if you can imagine that. It's a 4.0 after all.

 

identical to mine, i could wiggle it A LOT. was after a couple hours of wheeling that included a lot of deep mud/puddles. wasny oferheating or leaking, just replaced it so it wouldnt die at a more inconvenient time.

 

You're welcome. I try to treat people with respect.

The impeller blades on some/all chain store water pumps for the WJ 4.0L are plastic, and can become loose on the shaft or even break off, causing noises and overheating issues. >http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f310/...eller-1442660/

 

X2 on the respect.

I bought mine at NAPA as heavy duty lifetime warrenty, I made sure it was metal. What causes them to shatter is the bearings wear enough to allow the impeller to strike the cylinder barrel. It only takes about 1/16" movement to do that. Mine was worn enough to leave a deep scratch on the cylinder barrel.

 

thanks guys i followed your write up ol' blue to the T and i went very smooth except for that fourth bolt on the shroud UGH!! i put a new thermostat in and tested everything and it worked, but when i took it for a spin the engine temp wouldn't get up at all....do you think that t-stat is no good now??? thanks again

 

You may just have air trapped in there.