How to Install a Water Pump in a Dodge Ram

A bad water pump in a Dodge Ram can spell disaster for the many workers who use this truck for hauling heavy loads. When it's time to install a new water pump, you'll need plenty of space in which to work and lay out parts, the proper tools and a moderate amount of mechanical knowledge.

Instructions

Prepare the Truck

1

Arrange a drop cloth underneath the Dodge Ram to protect the floor from coolant spills. Designate an area to lay out each part alongside its bolts and connecting hoses and wires. Some of the parts will have traces of grease and coolant, so you may need a drop cloth here, as well.

2

Open the hood and use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Remove the cable.

3

Raise the truck with a jack. Secure it with automotive jack stands. Alternately, use tire ramps for added convenience.

4

Untwist the radiator's cap slowly to release pressure. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, just behind the grill. Place an empty container under the drain plug, remove the plug with an adjustable wrench and drain the radiator.

Taking Out the Old Pump

5

Use the adjustable wrench to undo the bolts securing the Dodge Ram's wiring harness retainer.

6

Loosen the seven bolts on the water pump pulley to get to and remove the accessory drive belt. Don't bend the belt in any way, as it may cause damage.

7

Unbolt the four bolts mounting the water pump to the engine with an adjustable wrench. Undo the bolts in any order. Remove the water pump and gasket from the engine.

8

Clean off the mounting area with a shop rag. Scrape away gasket pieces that may still adhere to the engine.

Connect the New Pump

9

Position the new gasket onto the water pump. Place a bead of high temperature automotive sealant around the area where you removed the old pump and hold the gasket in place on the new water pump, as you mount the entire assembly on top of the sealant.

10

Affix new bolts into the holes in the Dodge Ram's water pump in any order, using a torque wrench while the sealant is still wet to obtain a better hold. Tighten to 18 foot pounds of torque (40 foot pounds for the 3.7L and 4.7L engines and 20 foot pounds for the 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L engines).

11

Reassemble the rest of the parts in the order you took them off the Dodge Ram. Replace any parts that appear worn or damaged. Put the drain plug back in the radiator and refill with coolant. Remove the jack and jack stands, or drive the truck off the tire ramps.

12

Reconnect the negative battery cable to the post and tighten the screw on the clamp. Start the Dodge Ram's engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and take the truck for a test drive.