Coolant Pump: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Sable, 2009 Ford Taurus X, and 2009 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, 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 may cause engine failure.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING AND LIFTING article.
Drain the cooling system. For additional information, refer to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding .
Remove the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE - 3.5L article.
Remove and discard the engine oil filter.
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks on the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assemblies as shown in illustration.

Fig 1: Aligning Timing Marks On Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Assemblies

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the Top Dead Center (TDC) position.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the LH camshafts.

Fig 2: Installing Special Tool (303-1248) Onto Flats Of LH Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the RH camshafts.

Fig 3: Installing Special Tool (303-1248) Onto Flats Of RH Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 3 bolts and the RH VCT housing.

Fig 4: Locating RH VCT Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 3 bolts and the LH VCT housing.

Fig 5: Locating LH VCT Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove and discard the VCT housing seals.

Fig 6: Locating VCT Housing Seals

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 bolts and the primary timing chain tensioner.

Fig 7: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the primary timing chain tensioner arm.

Fig 8: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Arm

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 bolts and the lower LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 9: Locating Lower LH Primary Timing Chain Guide Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the primary timing chain.

Fig 10: Locating Primary Timing Chain

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 bolts and the upper LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 11: Locating Upper LH Primary Timing Chain Guide Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the RH primary timing chain guide lower bolt.

Fig 12: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain Guide Lower Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The RH primary timing chain guide must be repositioned to allow the coolant pump to be removed.

Loosen the RH primary timing chain guide upper bolt.
- Rotate the guide and tighten the bolt.

Fig 13: Locating RH Primary Timing Chain Guide Upper Bolt

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Place clean lint-free shop towels in the oil pan opening to prevent coolant from entering the oil pan during coolant pump removal.
Remove the 8 bolts and the coolant pump.

Fig 14: Locating Coolant Pump Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.