The 'E' Type Forum

Any tips on removing a 3.8 water pump?

Jaguar manual says undo the four bolts holding the pulley on, remove hoses, unbolt pump from timing cover and lift away.

No mention of the fact that the pulley, even when unbolted, can't be removed because the subrame is in the way, the pulley prevents removal of two of the bolts, and the proximity of the subframe prevents moving the pump far enough away from the timing cover for those two bolts to disengage from the timing cover.

My thoughts are turning to loosening the engine mounts etc and jacking the engine until the water pump clears the subframe. Surely there's a better way?

PhilBell wrote: ↑

Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:01 pm

...My thoughts are turning to loosening the engine mounts etc and jacking the engine until the water pump clears the subframe. Surely there's a better way?

Absolutely correct, this is the smartest way. Just do not forget to loosen as well the "lower nut" of the engine stabilizer rod.

Thanks Ralph. Is there anything else I should loosen or remove, such as the transmission tunnel trim, exhaust, rear propshaft flange, throttle linkage and air cleaner, or is there enough flex in those?

While working on my '64 I have often lamented that the Jag engineers didn't give a simple 1/8th of an inch more room fore/aft and right/left in the design of the front frames. I doubt that would have made a difference in the overall design/look/function of the E-Type, but sure would have made it easier to work on!

There is enough flex in all the rest. Just take it easy and slowly to get just enough of the clearance needed.

You're right Ralph

Had to jack the engine quite a way to give clearance but the pump is now on my bench and there's a smile on my face. Thank you.

I removed and replaced the water pump (three times) last year without jacking the engine. With the pulley fasteners removed, the pulley itself can be maneuvered aside such that all pump bolts/nuts can be undone. Then wiggle the pump (with pulley) around until the magic position is achieved where the pulley can be extracted. Then the pump. It can be done.