Mercury FOZZ-8501-A Pump Assembly - Water

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Water pump failure can lead to engine overheating and serious damage. There are three ways to check the water pump's operation while it's installed on the engine. First, start the engine and warm it up to normal operating temperature, then squeeze the upper radiator hose. If the water pump is working properly, you should feel a pressure surge when releasing the hose. Second, check for coolant leaking from the weep hole in the water pump snout. If coolant is present, the water pump should be replaced immediately to prevent shaft bearing failure. Lastly, listen for any noise coming from the water pump during engine operation. If a noise is present, it indicates shaft bearing failure and the water pump should be replaced. Additionally, excessive bearing wear can be identified by grasping the water pump pulley and attempting to move it horizontally or vertically. If there is movement, the bearing is nearing the end of its service life and the water pump should be replaced.

To remove the water pump, start by disconnecting the cable from the negative battery terminal and draining the cooling system with the engine cold. If the vehicle has a fan shroud and fan assembly, remove them. Take off the drivebelt(s) and the water pump pulley. On OHV engines with the power steering pump bracket retained at the water pump, remove the power steering pump and bracket assembly. If the engine has air conditioning, remove the idler pulley and bracket assembly. Remove any accessory brackets attached to the water pump. On OHV engines, detach the lower radiator hose, heater hose, and bypass hose from the water pump. Remove the water pump retaining bolts and take out the water pump. Before installation, ensure all gasket or sealant material is cleaned from the water pump, cylinder front cover, or cylinder block. Inspect the O-ring and sealing surface of the water pump housing in the block for dirt and debris on OHC engines. Position new gaskets on OHV engine water pumps and coat them with RTV sealant on both sides. Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean antifreeze and install it on OHC engine water pumps. Transfer hose ports and fittings from the old pump if necessary for OHV engine water pumps. Install the water pump, making sure to replace the gaskets and plate on OHV engines. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Attach the radiator hose, heater hose, and bypass hose on OHV engines. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal. Fill the cooling system with the proper coolant mixture and start the engine to check for leaks, monitoring the level during the first few weeks of operation.

The second method is to check for coolant leaking from the weep hole in the water pump snout. If coolant is present, the water pump should be replaced immediately to prevent shaft bearing failure.

Clean the bolt threads and threaded holes in the engine, and compare the new pump to the old one to ensure they are identical. Remove any old gasket material from the engine and clean the engine and new water pump mating surfaces. Apply a thin coat of RTV gasket sealant to the engine side of the water pump gasket and position the new gasket on the engine. Treat the water pump bolts accordingly, depending on the engine type. Apply a thin layer of RTV sealant to the gasket mating surface of the new pump and carefully mate the gasket and pump. Install the remaining bolts, being careful not to overtighten them.

To remove the water pump, start by disconnecting the cable from the negative battery terminal and draining the cooling system with the engine cold. If the vehicle has a fan shroud and fan assembly, remove them. Take off the drivebelt(s) and the water pump pulley. On OHV engines with the power steering pump bracket retained at the water pump, remove the power steering pump and bracket assembly. If the engine has air conditioning, remove the idler pulley and bracket assembly. Remove any accessory brackets attached to the water pump. On OHV engines, detach the lower radiator hose, heater hose, and bypass hose from the water pump. Remove the water pump retaining bolts and take out the water pump. Before installation, ensure all gasket or sealant material is cleaned from the water pump, cylinder front cover, or cylinder block. Inspect the O-ring and sealing surface of the water pump housing in the block for dirt and debris on OHC engines. Position new gaskets on OHV engine water pumps and coat them with RTV sealant on both sides. Lubricate a new O-ring seal with clean antifreeze and install it on OHC engine water pumps. Transfer hose ports and fittings from the old pump if necessary for OHV engine water pumps. Install the water pump, making sure to replace the gaskets and plate on OHV engines. Tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Attach the radiator hose, heater hose, and bypass hose on OHV engines. Install the remaining components in the reverse order of removal. Fill the cooling system with the proper coolant mixture and start the engine to check for leaks, monitoring the level during the first few weeks of operation.