1996 Nissan Maxima SE v6
Engine Size : V6
Question: how do I change the water pump?
Answer:Remove drain plug on cylinder block.
Remove right side engine mounting, mounting bracket and nuts.
Remove drive belts and idler pulley bracket.
Remove chain tensioner cover and water pump cover.
Push timing chain tensioner sleeve, insert a pin so it does not return. Then remove the chain tensioner assembly making sure timing chain does not slip a tooth on any gear.
Remove the 3 water pump fixing bolts. Secure a gap between water pump gear and timing chain, by turning crankshaft pulley 2O°backwards.
Put 2 bolts in the 2 threaded holes of water pump fixing bolt holes.
Tighten bolts by turning half turn alternately until they reach timing chain rear case. In order to prevent damages to water pump or timing chain rear case, do not tighten one bolt continuously. Always turn each bolt half turn each time. Lift up water pump and remove it. When lifting up water pump, do not allow water pump gear to hit timing chain.
Before installing, remove all traces of liquid gasket from mating surface of water pump cover and chain tensioner cover using a scraper. Also remove traces of liquid gasket from mating surface of front cover.
Apply a continuous bead of liquid gasket to mating surface of chain tensioner cover and water pump cover.
Return the crankshaft pulley to its original position by turning it 2O°forward.
Install timing chain tensioner, then remove the stopper pin After installing the tensioner making sure the chain has not moved or slipped a tooth because the timing will be off and may cause engine damage.
Reinstall all other related parts removed in reverse order of removal.
race the engine at about 3,000 rpm under no load to purge air from the high-pressure chamber. The engine may produce a rattling noise. This indicates that air still remains in the chamber and is not a matter of concern.
