Well it all started Monday when I was about 5 miles from work. Horrible noise coming from the front end and the smell of antifreeze filled the truck. Well I get to work find that there is fluid leaking (not dripping) from my water pump ... Ok, so I told a buddy of mine and he came with a gooseneck to my rescue and we loaded it up and took her home so I didn't have to chance any further damage and didn't have to empty my wallet at ford or into the hands of a tow truck company.
So once I read up on it I find that changing the water pump is relatively simple even for a begginer it seems, just remove the radiator also to improve work space and easement for the job. So Wednesday, me having intermediate mechanical skills but never dealt with a radiator in any way before discovered that:

1. I dont drop and lose near as many bolts as I used to. (only 1 this time so far)
2. There are transmission fluid lines at the bottom of the radiator too...
3. 5 gallons of antifreeze comes out of a 2" tube really F&*^%(* fast and it really smells when a gallon or so drenches you.
4. One small slip on your front end replacement can be the difference between a simple job and another $2-300 for a new radiator when you break the ports off of the overflow line on top of it..

Just remember, even though you may not be in school.. education no matter if its in school or learned through experience still costs you.

 

I'm completely lost.... How is this O.T.?

You didn't read how I turned a simple power steering pump replacement into a carnagectomy.

 

Nosir I sure didnt... Seems that sometimes when it rains it pours... Just trying to get to the deer lease this weekend and things just wont cooperate. Going to try to get it done in the a.m., luckily i have a 3rd vehicle to use... sometimes you just gotta laugh at yourself haha

 

You shouldn't have removed the rad. It makes a lot more work for you and is very unnecessary.

Stewart

 

I did my water pump replacement without removing the radiator, but done is done and now when the next time comes around, you'll know you can skip it. The only time I needed a 2nd set of hands was when I had to put the shroud back on the radiator. I just couldn't get the tabs on the bottom of the shroud in to their slots, but then, I was working from the top side.

Everyday is a learning opportunity. Enjoy it.

 

Agreed. Unless you had plans to flush and reseal, that was unnecessary..... But maybe you just needed to make extra time to wrench.

 

I gotta say opening this I thought is was going to be private school or college type stuff.

On the "learning" bit, I dropped the tap I was using on the intake for boost (now wishing I'd done that different) into the valley. I learned that the valley is infinitely easier to reach on the 7.3 than a chevy 6.2. I like the not having to start stripping the engine just cause I butter fingered a tool or part (or both )

 

My Ph.D. in PSD is ongoing...I'm not sure I've quite reached my BA yet. 12 years, and still learning. But I can tell you, sometimes when a friend has a problem with their 7.3L, I'm surprised how much I've learned over the years in helping them out.

Want a crash course? Here's a ditty for ya: You will need almost every tool in your garage for even the smallest and simplest of tasks. For instance, the other day I had to replace my alternator, a simple 10-15 minute job with maybe 3 different socket sizes and a 1/2" breaker bar, right? It took about 30 minutes (had to remove a fuel pressure gauge too), and took about 15 tools including flashlight, magnetic fishing rod, etc. Took an extra 15 minutes to put-up the tools.

 

Better than the "How to destroy a bullet proof 6.0 in a quarter mile" course i graduated from, pretty quick course, only took 12-13seconds to learn!!! Oh then i got a masters right after in "Hopefully they will total this completely melted to the ground 6.0!" Nitrous is good for one thing! Not even the roll cage could be salvaged

 

well i finished the project friday after a lot of cussing, 2 broken sockets, 2 more trips to town for more antifreeze because i forgot a jug at the parts house the first time then the 2nd time they told me i only needed 4 gallons at the most. LIE!!! but i also learned why ford charges that much to do the job. after about $650 worth of parts i now have a new water pump, radiator, hoses, and thermostat while i was in there anyway. New belt to come but they didnt have one in stock. Front end rebuild to come soon. Any knowledge about that project???

 

damn jeremy that looks tough!!

 

eh, im having more fun with my blown up 7.3!

I know theres a writeup out there somewhere on the front end........wheres it hiding?