I am replacing my water pump on my 2000 Taurus with a Flex Fuel engine which has 170,000 miles. The pump came off easily. But I am wondering about the "housing" that the water pump attaches to. There is a gasket between the housing and the engine block, and the "housing" seems to use most of the same bolts as the water pump. Since the Autozone and Napa do not offer a gasket for this part and the Chilton repair manual does not mention it in their water pump replacement procedure, should I leave it alone? I would hate to put everything back on the engine and find out that the "housing" gasket leaks.

 

I'm not sure what this "housing" is that you're talking about because my water pump was all one piece. Did you buy a new water pump yet? A gasket should have come with it. Here's a webpage with pictures of water pumps and gaskets for your years car.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...brandsku&Nty=1

 

It's the 1-5/8" thick, casted aluminum part that the lower radiator hose and the water pump connects to.
I bought the water pump with a gasket about two weeks ago. I would have it on by now if it hadn't rained for the last 14 days! I am considering biteing the bullet and just slapping the pump on without changing the gasket between this "whatever" and the block. Maybe I'll go to a Ford dealership parts department and see if they have an exploded picture of that area.