My buddy needs to change the water pump on his neon. His brother was supposed to do it, like 2 months ago, but never has. I want to help him out. Any tips for this type of car? I've never messed with FWD (or anything but the 7 and a sierra) before.

 

IT ******* SUCKS!!! THERE IS NO ROOM TO GET YOUR HANDS IN THERE!!! just taking the belts off will make you want to kill yourself. Bail out man, **** that junk!

 

well that sucks. for him! hahahahaha!



ahem...thanks for the advice!

 

2 months he is waiting?



just get it done some place already, lol

 

Don't touch it. Other then a base model honda (Sucks a little less) Fwd is nothing but a bitch to work on.

 

Water pump is driven by the timing belt.



If you're doing the water pump you may as well replace the timing belt. If you're replacing the timing belt you may as well replace the tensioner pully.



I got half way into the job and had the car towed to have it done by someone who gets paid by the hour.



Remember: if you get the timing belt wrong you'll wreck the engine, I can't remember if it's the SOHC or DOHC that is an interference engine.



Either way it's a bitch, not because you don't have room but just because it's a nasty job. Convince him to replace the timing belt is the best advice I can give.



Oh yeah if they change the belt and suddenly the engine has no compression, tell them to oil down the cylinders.

 

took me like an hour to do it on my GTI... wouldnt think it would be that bad. does it have ac and ps? if so it might take longer. dont know what these guys are talking about. my engine bay has enough room to stand in.

 

What year is this neon? If it's newer I'm sure he could get it fixed by a shop, sell it, and still have enough money to buy ANOTHER CAR.

 

I'd say dont mess with it though. I've had a neon and it's hard enough just to put an air intake on it. Have a shop do it, please to protect your own sanity, have a shop do it.