Removing water pump with gasket sealer

[robbyb20]

Long time no talk!

I have a bad fan clutch and figured I would replace the water pump as well since I have the fan off. All bolts are out but I can’t separate the old water pump from the front cover. It’s stuck!!

But seriously, the gasket sealer the previous owner put on is proving to be difficult to remove.

I don’t want to damage anything so I’m refraining from banging on it. Tips/tricks to get this thing off?

 

[best4x4]

hit it with a rubber mallet after making sure all the bolts are indeed out.

 

[robbyb20]

hit it with a rubber mallet after making sure all the bolts are indeed out.

That’s the one thing I figured was ok but it’s not budging.

Gonna take the alternator off and see if I can get a whack at it.

 

[jymmiejamz]

I would double check that you have all of the bolts out and then hit it with a hammer. You’re going to replace it anyway...

 

[mlnnc]

Maybe it's the Rover Gods telling you to leave the pump as-is.

As we've all heard many times, "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

 

[robbyb20]

I would double check that you have all of the bolts out and then hit it with a hammer. You’re going to replace it anyway...

I’ve got 9 bolts out, 3 long, 6 short.

Just got the alternator off and gonna give it a couple more whacks

 

[robbyb20]

Maybe it's the Rover Gods telling you to leave the pump as-is.

As we've all heard many times, "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

Ha! You may be right but I’m this far with all the coolant drained so I may as well see it thru.

 

[Harv]

3 long and 6 short bolts is correct, at least for my 2001 D2 4.0

 

[ukoffroad]

I have done three or four, the last one was fighting hard to stay. I think I used a 2x4 as a lever.

 

[robbyb20]

I have done three or four, the last one was fighting hard to stay. I think I used a 2x4 as a lever.

I think ill give this a go. Thanks!

 

[Swedjen2]

Why don't you get a stiff putty knife in between block and pump housing before giving the pump a good beat down? You can pound on the putty knife and at least begin to separate it that way. Something like this........ I said stiff. I'm pretty sure you know what stiff means. . Not those cheap, wimpy Red Devil blades.

 

[discostew]

The trick to getting that sealer to let go is to hit it with a hard hammer while you pry it. You don't have to hit it hard. It's the vibration that makes the shit let go.

You might as well plan on replacing the front cover gasket now too. Anytime you have to fight with the pump like this that gasket leaks soon after.

 

[robbyb20]

The trick to getting that sealer to let go is to hit it with a hard hammer while you pry it. You don't have to hit it hard. It's the vibration that makes the shit let go.

You might as well plan on replacing the front cover gasket now too. Anytime you have to fight with the pump like this that gasket leaks soon after.

This is my apprehension. Ive hit it a couple times but not with a lot of force because I wasnt sure what other damage would occure.

When both bolts on the right side were removed that connect to the front cover, you could see coolant seep out from the top and pool a bit. Putting bolts back in "resealed" it but i could certainly see that failing in the future.

Would applying heat be better instead of banging away at it?

 

[robbyb20]

The trick to getting that sealer to let go is to hit it with a hard hammer while you pry it. You don't have to hit it hard. It's the vibration that makes the shit let go.

You might as well plan on replacing the front cover gasket now too. Anytime you have to fight with the pump like this that gasket leaks soon after.

You werent joking about the front cover gasket. I noticed some coolant leaking out of the right side where it mates with the engine block. draining coolant now, ordered new front cover gasket, seal, timing chain and oil pump since ill have it all off anyways.

Rave is off a bit on its instructions since it stops at '95. I dont believe I have to get all of the other items off except the water pump and crankshaft pulley/seal. Someone correct me if im wrong please.

 

[WaltNYC]

fwiw there are versions of the workshop manual for later models. check out the link in my sig.

 

[robbyb20]

fwiw there are versions of the workshop manual for later models. check out the link in my sig.

Thanks, I’ll check it out. The majority of the versions on the internet I’ve found stop at 95.

Onto better news, water pump is off!