97-V6 2.5 Water Pump R&R Procedure

It's the water pump. It's dripping from behind the
Crankshaft pully even when the engine is cold and
not running. Can't see the pump weep hole, assuming
it has one, but since this leak has progressevely gotten
worse over 4 months it appears the bearing seal has gone
out. I used my air hose to dry off everything above
the water pump and found no leaks above it.
Even if it is not the bearing seal and turns out to be
just the gasket not replacing that water pump would
be stupid with 118k on the thing.

With 118k on it it is time for a timing belt change
anyway and the other belts as well are ready too.
Also the front valve cover gasket is leaking a little
so that's another thing that I am guessing has to be
removed anyway.

I cannot afford to have Mazda do this one for me so
it's time for me to learn how to do this job. I have
time but little money for this. I just wish it was
not so cold out. I hate doing a major repair when
it is 40 degrees and the humidity is 90%. Here
in Houston we are having one heck of nasty winter.

Haynes, Chilton, and Mitchell are of no help and have conflicting
information on how to do this. These manuals suck.
Haynes tells me to remove the engine mount with no
mention of bracing the engine. Perhaps I am wrong
but that sounds risky.

So here is my question.
Can anyone who has done this job give me the procedure
in detail?

I found a document on the net somewhere that came close
but he had a 93. His info said I had to "brace the engine and
remove the motor mount" and "re-time" the engine.
And my haynes manual states that a puller needs to
be used on one of the pulley's but does not mention
which one. I regret not buying the 626 factory shop
manual years ago when I had the $$$.

I apppreciate any info on this.
Email me if you want.

Ken

Kloyless@swbell.net

Definitly use your common sense when working on cars, of course you will need to support the motor when removing a mount! otherwise it is the same procedure for any 2.5 mazda motor .......remove nessacery stuff to access needed components and install in reverse order

exactly, support the motor. Remove both tensionners, and the accessory belts. Remove the mount and then you will be able to remove the two timing belt covers. Now you must remove the timing belt tensionnor, and take off the timing belt.

I have never changed a water pump myself. ANd honestly I dont even know where it is because I have never looked lol. But I have swapped my 1.8L V6 to the 2.5L.

Anyways, if you need any more help just tell us what you need.