How to change a water pump in Ford V6 3.5 & 3.7-liter engines 2012-19 Explorer, Taurus, Edge & more

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to change the water pump in Ford V6 3.5 and 3.7-liter engines from 2012 to 2019. This process is essential as a failing water pump can lead to engine overheating and severe damage. Follow the detailed steps to ensure a successful water pump replacement.

Chapter 1: Work Begins

• Remove the Engine Cover
  • Use a couple of plastic clips to detach the engine cover.
• Clean the Engine Bay
  • Optional but recommended for preventing contamination.
  • Use proper lighting: an under-hood light, shop light, and floor light.
• Disconnect the Battery
  • Before starting any mechanical work, disconnect the car battery.
• Jack Up the Vehicle
  • Raise the right front of the vehicle and secure it with a jack stand.
• Remove the Right Front Wheel
  • Use a 19 mm socket for the lug nuts.
• Detach the Fender Well Cover
  • Remove various plastic clips and screws (5.5 mm and 8 mm) to access the wheel well.

Chapter 2: Drain Coolant and Oil

• Remove the Air Filter Assembly
  • Detach clips, a band clamp, and an electrical connector.
• Disconnect the Coolant Overflow Hose
  • Use pliers to loosen the spring clamp.
• Drain the Radiator Coolant
  • Open the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator.
• Drain the Engine Oil
  • Remove the drain plug (15 mm) from the oil pan.

Chapter 3: Fuel Line Disconnect

• Disconnect Fuel Lines
  • Use a small flat blade screwdriver to remove the clip from the silver fuel line.
  • Use a fuel line disconnect tool for the left side of the fuel line.
  • Expect some fuel spillage; wear safety glasses and have a rag ready.

Chapter 4: Air Intake Assembly Removal

• Remove the Air Intake Assembly
  • Use an 8 mm socket for bolts and disconnect hoses with spring clamps and electrical connections.
  • Cover the engine inlet with rags or tape to avoid debris contamination.

Chapter 5: Unplugging Engine Wire Harness

• Disconnect the Engine Wire Harness
  • Unplug various connections (coil packs, fuel injectors, sensors) using a pick and hook set.
  • Remove a large coolant hose secured with a spring clamp for better access.

Chapter 6: Coil Packs Removal

• Remove Coil Packs
  • Use an 8 mm bolt to detach the three coil packs. They may require some force to pull out.

Chapter 7: Valve Covers Removal

• Remove Valve Covers
  • Pull the oil dipstick and loosen 10 mm bolts. Gently pry off the valve cover if stuck.
  • Clean gasket edges with brake cleaner and cover openings with a rag.

Chapter 8: Remove Engine Coolant Reservoir

• Remove Coolant Reservoir
  • Loosen two 8 mm bolts and disconnect the larger coolant hose.

Chapter 9: Serpentine Belt Removal

• Remove the Serpentine Belt
  • Use a 3/8 ratchet on the tensioner pulley to relieve tension and remove the belt.

Chapter 10: Crankshaft Pulley Removal

• Remove Crankshaft Pulley
  • Use an impact drill with an 18 mm socket and a universal puller.

Chapter 11: Right Engine Mount Removal

• Support the Engine
  • Use a floor jack and a block of wood.
• Remove Engine Mount
  • Unscrew the four nuts (15 mm) and three bolts (18 mm) to remove the mount.

Chapter 12: Timing Chain Cover Removal

• Remove Timing Chain Cover Bolts
  • Detach multiple bolts of various sizes (8 mm, 10 mm, 13 mm, 15 mm).
• Pry Off the Timing Chain Cover
  • Use pry points to gently remove the cover without damaging the gasket surfaces.

Chapter 13: Water Pump Removal

• Remove Water Pump Bolts
  • Loosen 8 mm bolts and pry the pump loose.
• Clean the Mounting Surface
  • Use a gasket scraper and brake cleaner to prepare for the new pump.

Chapter 14: New Water Pump Install

• Install New Water Pump
  • Position the new pump and secure with bolts using a crisscross pattern torqued to 8 ft-lb.

Chapter 15: Timing Chain and Tensioner Installation

• Reinstall Timing Chain
  • Route the chain back and install the tensioner using the adjustment tool.
• Ensure Proper Tension
  • Adjust and secure the tensioner to keep the chain tight.

Chapter 16: Final Assembly

• Reattach the Timing Chain Cover
  • Apply gasket maker and torque the bolts as specified.
• Install Engine Mount and Other Components
  • Reattach the engine mount, crankshaft pulley, serpentine belt, and other components.

Chapter 17: Adding Fluids and Testing

• Add Engine Oil and Coolant
  • Fill with 5W20 engine oil (6 quarts) and coolant.
• Reconnect the Battery
• Start the Vehicle
  • Check for leaks and listen for any unusual sounds.

Conclusion

Changing the water pump in a Ford V6 engine is a detailed process that requires careful attention to each step. By following this guide, you can ensure that the job is done correctly. After completing the installation, always monitor for leaks and verify that the engine runs smoothly. If you have further questions or need assistance, consider reaching out to a professional mechanic. Happy wrenching!