How to Change a Ford Taurus Water Pump

Disconnect the car's negative (black) battery cable.

Drain the engine coolant--remove the pressure relief cap from the expansion tank, place a large container under the radiator drain plug, remove the plug with pliers to drain the coolant from the radiator, and then drain the remaining coolant from the engine block plugs.

Loosen the water pump pulley bolts while the drive belt is still installed.

Remove the drive belt by relieving the tension with a 15-millimeter wrench on the tensioner pulley and slipping the belt off.

Disconnect the heater hose from the water pump and disconnect the wiring harness from the stud where the pump is mounted, if the Taurus has an overhead valve engine. If the car has an overhead camshaft engine, disconnect the heater and radiator hoses from the pump.

Unbolt and remove the water pump; there are 12 bolts on a valve engine and three on a camshaft engine. On a camshaft engine, disconnect the thermostat housing and remove the radiator bypass assembly to reach the bolts.

Clean off all gasket material from the water pump's mounting surface using acetone or lacquer thinner.

Place a new gasket on the replacement water pump, coating the gasket on both sides with RTV sealant.

Install the pump onto the engine for a valve-engine Taurus and tighten the bolts. On camshaft engines, install and bolt the pump to the pump housing and then install the pump housing to the engine.

Re-connect all other parts, which can include the radiator bypass assembly, thermostat housing and drive belt.

Refill the cooling system, using a fresh mix of antifreeze and water if the old coolant is contaminated.