I have a 96 sable (duratech dohc). how do I access the lower three socket bolts on the water pump? hope I havent bitten off more than I can chew.
Jan 7, 2006 at 1:58 PM
1996 Mercury Sable Water Pump Bolts
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Disconnect the negative battery cable. Allow the engine to cool.
Remove the radiator cap and drain the cooling system.
Loosen four retaining bolts securing the water pump pulley to the water pump hub.
Remove the accessory drive belts.
Remove the automatic belt tensioner.
Disconnect and remove the heater hose from the water pump.
Remove the engine control sensor wiring from the locating stud bolt, if equipped.
Remove the water pump-to-engine retaining bolts and lift the water pump and pulley up and out of the vehicle.
Clean the gasket surfaces on the water pump and engine front cover. Install a new gasket on the water pump using gasket adhesive.
Place the water pump in position on the engine with the pulley and four retaining bolts loosely installed on the hub.
Apply pipe sealant to bolt No. 3. Refer to the accompanying illustration for bolt location.
Install the bolts in the water pump housing.
Tighten bolts Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm). Tighten bolts Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).
The bolts are of different lengths and must be installed in the correct locations.
If equipped, attach the engine control sensor wiring to the locating stud bolt.
Hand-tighten the water pump pulley retaining bolts.
Install the accessory drive belts.
Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).
Connect the heater hose to the water pump.
Fill the cooling system. Connect the negative battery cable.
Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks and proper operation.
Remove the radiator cap and drain the cooling system.
Loosen four retaining bolts securing the water pump pulley to the water pump hub.
Remove the accessory drive belts.
Remove the automatic belt tensioner.
Disconnect and remove the heater hose from the water pump.
Remove the engine control sensor wiring from the locating stud bolt, if equipped.
Remove the water pump-to-engine retaining bolts and lift the water pump and pulley up and out of the vehicle.
Clean the gasket surfaces on the water pump and engine front cover. Install a new gasket on the water pump using gasket adhesive.
Place the water pump in position on the engine with the pulley and four retaining bolts loosely installed on the hub.
Apply pipe sealant to bolt No. 3. Refer to the accompanying illustration for bolt location.
Install the bolts in the water pump housing.
Tighten bolts Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm). Tighten bolts Nos. 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 to 71-106 inch lbs. (8-12 Nm).
The bolts are of different lengths and must be installed in the correct locations.
If equipped, attach the engine control sensor wiring to the locating stud bolt.
Hand-tighten the water pump pulley retaining bolts.
Install the accessory drive belts.
Tighten the water pump pulley bolts to 15-22 ft. lbs. (20-30 Nm).
Connect the heater hose to the water pump.
Fill the cooling system. Connect the negative battery cable.
Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks and proper operation.
Feb 16, 2009 at 11:13 AM
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Suggested Repair
Disconnect the battery and drain the cooling system. Loosen the four water pump pulley bolts, remove the accessory drive belts and automatic belt tensioner, disconnect the heater hose, and move any sensor wiring off the locating stud if equipped. Remove the water pump-to-engine bolts and lift out the pump and pulley. On reinstall, clean the mating surfaces, use a new gasket, apply pipe sealant to bolt No. 3, and install each bolt in its correct location because lengths differ. Torque bolts 4 through 10 to 15-22 ft-lbs and bolts 11 through 15 to 71-106 in-lbs. Reinstall the belts, torque the pulley bolts to 15-22 ft-lbs, refill the cooling system, and check for leaks.
Conversation Summary
The owner of a 1996 Mercury Sable with a Duratec DOHC asked how to access the lower three socket bolts on the water pump. The expert replied with a full removal and installation procedure: drain the coolant, remove the belts and tensioner, disconnect the heater hose and any sensor wiring, remove the pump bolts, then reinstall with a new gasket, sealant on bolt No. 3, correct bolt locations, and the specified torque values before refilling and checking for leaks.