Pining the engine?

2017 FORD ESCAPE
60,000 MILES • 1.5L • AUTOMATIC
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BAHMAN5
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changing water pump
Aug 6, 2026 at 2:48 PM
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STRAILER
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Can you please give us more information?
Aug 6, 2026 at 4:24 PM
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KRAKENAUTO
  • Experienced Mechanic
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Can you please explain your question better, are you wanting to know where the water pump is or instructions on how to change it?
Aug 8, 2026 at 5:37 PM
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BAHMAN5
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can i change a water pump without touching the timing belt
Aug 8, 2026 at 9:49 PM
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STEVE W.
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Not really. The timing belt tensioner bolt goes into the water pump and has to be removed to get the pump out. However if you remove the covers and rotate the engine until the timing marks are lined up and mark the timing belt position on the sprockets and use something to clamp the belt in place, then wedge something around the crank sprocket so the belt cannot move there at all. You could then pin the tensioner and remove it. The images below show the pieces. With the tensioner out the WP would slide out the other side. Clean off the block and install the new pump and then install the tensioner, release it and double check that the belt didn't move. If it's good put it back together. However with 60 K on it, I'd likely do the belt as well, you already have the engine open and the belt is right there. The extra 20 minutes to change the belt isn't much. BUT there is a HUGE WARNING with that engine, DO NOT LOONEN THE CRANKSHAFT BOLT WITHOUT THE CRANKSHAFT LOCKED IN PLACE WITH THE SPECIAL TOOL. That is because Ford didn't use a 5 cent key to hold the damper or timing belt sprocket in place. Loosen the bolt and you will need to reset the engine into the timing position, then you have to use a new timing set so any stretch and wear is gone. I have also seen more than a few of those engines with failed timing belts long before Fords 150K replacement number.
Aug 8, 2026 at 11:10 PM
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KRAKENAUTO
  • Experienced Mechanic
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I would not, it is an extensive job and I would do it properly. The timing belt should be changed when you do this job, too much risk otherwise, and MUST be replaced if it got contaminated by coolant or oil. You are usually able to purchase a Water Pump kit with the timing belt and such with it, and that would be the best.

The special tools needed:
303-1556 Locking Tool, Timing Belt
TKIT-2010B-FLM
TKIT-2010B-ROW

303-748 Locking Tool, Crankshaft
TKIT-2010B-FLM
TKIT-2010B-ROW

Additional needs: 4 mm Drill Bit and a floor jack.

Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools. The crankshaft pulley and the crankshaft timing sprocket are not keyed to the crankshaft. Before any repair requiring loosening or removal of the crankshaft pulley bolt, the crankshaft and camshafts must be locked in place by the special service tools, otherwise severe engine damage can occur. Also cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan can cause engine failure.

The entire instructions on how to do the Water Pump are attached.
Aug 9, 2026 at 6:43 AM
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BAHMAN5
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  • 18 POSTS
hello again ,so much useful info thanks , after watching few video on line i am wondering if i can change the timing belt ,water pump without removing the starter after locking crankshaft & camshaft and installing the timing lock tool ,when engine is on TDC
Aug 10, 2026 at 3:43 PM
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STRAILER
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Sorry, we only handle one problem per thread, please post your new question here, you must be logged in.

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/new
Aug 11, 2026 at 7:23 AM
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