How to Install a Water Pump in a Geo Tracker

Although it's a gas efficient vehicle, even the Geo Tracker can burn out a water pump and overheat as it nears the 100,000 mile mark. Every Geo Tracker's water pump is mounted in some way on the front of the engine block. To get to it, you must disconnect several pieces that vary depending on the engine size.

Instructions

Remove the Geo Tracker's Water Pump

1

Spread out a drop cloth underneath the car to protect the floor from coolant spills. Designate an area to lay out each part alongside its bolts and connecting hoses and wires.

2

Release the pressure in the radiator by removing the cap. Take out the drain plug located underneath the radiator. Catch the coolant in a resealable container.

3

Open the hood and use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Remove the cable. Use a jack to elevate the Geo Tracker and jack stands to shore up the jack or drive it up on tire ramps.

4

Use the adjustable wrench to undo the bolts securing the Geo Tracker's timing belt cover, timing belt, water pump mounting bolts, seals located between the water pump and oil pump and cylinder wiring harness retainer.

5

Remove the oil dipstick and guide tube from the engine block, if you need more room to work. Take off the water pump. Use a rubber mallet and tap the pump to loosen it.

Install the Geo Tracker's New Pump

6

Place high temperature automotive sealant on the new water pump, in a position that coordinates to the new gasket.

7

Lay the gasket over the sealant on the pump. Hold it in place as you mount the new water pump on the side of the Geo Tracker's engine in the same place as the old one.

8

Insert and tighten each bolt in any order with 88-115 inch pounds torque. Install new seals between the water pump and oil pump, with another between the water pump and engine.

9

Reassemble the rest of the parts in the order you took them off the Geo Tracker. Replace any parts that appear worn or damaged, if needed. Replace the radiator's drain plug and refill the radiator with the amount and type of coolant specified in your owner's manual

10

Move the jack stands and release the jack, or drive it off the tire ramps. Attach the negative battery cable to the post and tighten the screw on the clamp.

11

Remove the drop cloth. Start the Dodge Ram's engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and clean up any spilled coolant.