How to Replace a 1986 Nissan Pickup 2.4 Water Pump

When the water pump goes bad on your 1986 Nissan pickup, you might hear a whining noise coming from the engine when it is running. That is because the bearing is shot; the whining sound is metal against metal. Left unrepaired, this can cause serious damage to your engine, starting with the engine overheating and finally progressing to a head gasket failure. It only takes about an hour and a half to replace the water pump, and you can take care of the project in your driveway.
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
Drain pan
Wrench set
Socket set
Screwdriver
Scraper
1

Ensure the engine is cool before you start. Drain the engine coolant into the drain pan by opening the valve on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench. Unfasten the fan shroud by removing the bolts with a wrench. Pull the shroud out of the engine compartment.
2

Loosen the tension on the drive belt by turning the adjusting bolt on the alternator counter-clockwise with a wrench. Note the proper routing of the belt, and pull it from the pulleys. Disconnect the bypass hose on the water pump by loosening the clamp with a screwdriver.
3

Remove the water pump retaining bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the water pump away from the engine. Scrape any remaining gasket material from the mounting surface with the scraper.
4

Place a new gasket and water pump on the engine. Tighten the mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet. Connect the bypass hose to the water pump, and tighten the clamp with the screwdriver. Put the belt back on the components, and tighten the belt tension by turning the adjusting bolt on the alternator clockwise with a wrench.
5

Refill the radiator and reservoir with fresh coolant. Start the truck, and check the installation for leakage.

Tips & Warnings

Household pets are attracted to ethylene glycol. If they drink enough of it, it could be fatal to them. Keep engine coolant out of reach of animals, and never drain it to the ground.