Q: How to replace a water pump in a Ford Expedition?
A: Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. With the engine cold, drain the cooling system. Remove the fan shroud and the fan assembly. Remove the drivebelt(s) and remove the water pump pulley. On V6 engines, disconnect the upper radiator hose from the water pump and remove the bolt and detach the heater water outlet tube from the top of the pump. Remove the water pump retaining bolts and remove the water pump. Take note of the installed positions of the various length bolts and studs. Before installation, remove and clean all gasket or sealant material from the water pump and cylinder block. If you're working on a VB engine, inspect the O-ring and sealing surface of water pump housing in the block for dirt or debris. Clean them thoroughly before reassembly. If you're working on a VB engine, lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean antifreeze and install it to the water pump. If you're working on a V6 engine, coat a new gasket with a thin film of RTV sealant and install it on the pump. Install the water pump and tighten the bolts to the specified torque. The remainder of the installation is the reverse of the disassembly sequence. Fill the cooling system with the proper coolant mixture. Start the engine and make sure there are no leaks. Check the level frequently during the first few weeks of operation to ensure there are no leaks and that the level in the system is stable.
Q: What are three ways to check the operation of a water pump while it's installed on the engine on Ford Expedition?
A: Water pump failure can cause severe engine damage. Three checks can identify issues while the pump is still on the engine. If coolant leaks from the pump's weep hole, the seal has failed. Noise from the pump during engine use suggests a failed shaft bearing. Excessive bearing wear can be detected by moving the pump pulley; if it moves, the bearing is worn and the pump needs replacing.