Hello Everyone!

New here! Anyway, I have a small problem getting my water pump off my 1989 F250 7.3L Diesel. I have the Haynes repair manual (only one I could find) to do the repair but I can't seem to get the fan off to get to the water pump. In the book, it says the nut (which is about 1 7/8" in dia.) to remove the fan/clutch is to be turned counterclockwise, but may have to be turned clockwise on some models. It shows a special tool made by Ford that it suggests to use which I don't think is resonable to buy if I use it once and I'm sure it costs a pretty penny. I have two big wrenches to do the job but I'm not getting anywhere. I'm also afraid of the knuckle breaking factor. I've already scraped the crap outa my hands trying to figure this out. So, has anyone had to do this job, and if so, how is this done with normal tools and which direction am I supposed to turn the darn nut? Any help would be greatly appreciated. If we get this figured out, you will be put on my Christmas card list. Or if you live close, I will take you out to a nice dinner!

Sincerely,

Ace (Desperately needing your help!)

 

An '89 7.3 will be a left hand thread on the fan clutch. I have never bought that big wrench that the tool guys sell. Instead I use a big pair of Channel Lock pliers to grip the hex on the fan clutch. As long as the belts are still tight you can usually break it loose. Turn it clockwise to loosen it.

 

Thank you for the reply. I had gone down to the parts store to get a new water pump since I posted this and asked if they had this "special tool". They didn't have one for sale and could order the set of two wrenches for $90.00 plus but the mechanic in the back showed me what they use. I asked if I could rent it and they said no. The main wrench that held the pulley in place looked quite easy to make out of some scrap metal so I decided to take a stab at it. I have a friend that has a Drill Press, metal cutting band saw, welder, torch, and the works and we made a tool that worked great in about 15 minutes! I used a big wrench on the nut and with hardly any effort, it came loose. It did have to be loosened in the clockwise direction like you said so now I am ready for the new water pump. Thanks for the reply anyway. If anyone who reads this in the future needs a drawing of what the home-made wrench looked like, let me know. I will email you an easy set of plans for free that will make the job real easy. And it can be made for less than $10 bucks, I'm sure. Probably much less if you have the materials on hand. Woohoo! Now I can get back to driving my beast to work and not that little Honda Accord that my wife drives! Argh! (She's spoiled now driving a newer Crown Vic., Leather seats, tinted windows; she's driving in style!)

Ace

 

Remember to keep the right length bolts in the top two middle holes on the pump or you can ruin the injector pump drive gear and shaft. It should have a big note in the box to double remind you.