I took my 94 Club Wagon van into a shop that was recommended, after I learned that one of the water pump bolts was seized, when replacing the water pump. Just got a call from the shop saying they had to cut the old pump out of the way in order to get better access to the seized bolt. The shop said something about welding something onto the end of the bolt. I love this old gal. How freaked out should I be?

 

This was a common problem and if I am correct,it is that long bolt with the stud on the end located on the top left of the water pump.

Once they broke , the end had to be drilled out. Let me know if that is the case, .I should be able to offer some suggestions that would help to make the job easier.

 

I got a call from the mechanic and was told that he had to damage the timing cover to get the bolt out. It's a 94 E150 Club Wagon 5.8 van. If he can't find an original cover (which is doubtful) is there a good aftermarket maker? NOT Dorman!!

 

Depending on where the cover is damaged, it might be quicker and cheaper to just have a shop braze the opening. A decent job will not leak and will last the life of the vehicle..

 

Timing cover replaced. Water pump replaced. Now temp gauge is reading lower than before the job. It used to sit almost exactly mid point, Now the pointer comes to about the "N" in normal. The engine runs smooth, The heater will puts out hot after about 5 minutes of run time. Should I be concerned that the thermostat was not done when the water pump was replaced? Should I think Coolant temperature sensor? Could this just be the new normal with a fresh water pump?

 

If you get a chance, ask your mechanic if he changed the thermostat.

Original thermostats had an 192 degree opening temp and he might have installed a 180 degree stat. No big deal , just could cause the temp gauge to read slightly lower.