OEM 2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Water Pump

2000 Dodge Ram 3500 Water Pump Parts and Q&A

• Q: How Can a Water Pump Be Removed Without Affecting the Air Conditioning System on Gas-Powered Engines on 2000 Dodge Ram 3500?

  A: The water pump can come off onto its own in a gas-powered engine if your vehicle is so equipped and does not discharge the air conditioning system, as it is installed right onto the engine timing chain case/cover. The water pump and timing chain case/cover are sealed together on 3.9L, 5.2L and 5.9L gas-powered engines by a gasket. When repairing a water pump that has suffered from bearing or shaft troubles, replace the fan if it has cracks, loose connections or broken rivets, also ensure the thermal viscous fan drive is functioning properly. Your first step should be to disconnect the negative battery cable and run the coolant out through the radiator into a container that can be used again if it's clean. Detach the windshield washer reservoir tank from the radiator fan shroud, pull apart the coolant reservoir hose from the radiator and remove the four fan shroud bolts without separating it from the vehicle. When installing or removing these clamps, use the right devices for the job such as Special Clamp Tool 6094 or Snap-On Clamp Tool HPC-20 and remember to use safety glasses. Take off the top hose from the radiator and remove the thermocouple fan drive by turning the mounting bolt counterclockwise, putting an Snap-On 36 MM Fan Wrench, Special Tool 6958 and Adapter Pins 8346. Even if you change the water pump, leave the fan blade assembly firmly attached to the thermal control fan drive. Together, remove the fan blade, fan drive and fan shroud from your car and do not store the thermal viscous fan drive in a position where its bearing lubricant might be affected. Relax the tension in the tensioner, take out the accessory drive belt and then pull out the water pump's lower radiator and heater hoses. Relax the bolt holding the heater hose coolant return tube in place, pull the tube out of the water pump and throw away the O-ring. Unscrew all seven water pump mounting bolts, loosen the clamp connected to the water pump's bypass hose and slide the bypass hose off the center of the water pump. Throw away the old gasket, clean both mating surfaces and place a new gasket over the water pump before installing it to the engine, making sure the nipple goes into the bypass hose. Secure the water pump mounting bolts to 40 Nm (30 ft. lbs.), align the bypass hose clamp and move the water pump to check the impeller's clearance with the timing chain case/cover. Replace the O-ring on the heater hose coolant return tube, put antifreeze on it and fasten both the tube and mounting bolt to the engine, making certain the position is proper. Secure the radiator lower hose to the water pump, set up the heater hose and related clip to the return tube, then adjust the automatic belt tensioner to easily put the drive belt in place, making sure its routing is not an issue for the engine's heat. Assemble the fan shroud and fan blade/viscous fan drive as one unit, fit the shroud into the pump and secure the fan blade/drive to the pump shaft. Add coolant to the system, attach the negative battery cable, turn on the engine and watch for leaks.