Hi, I have a 1994 ford aerostar 3.0 and need to replace the water pump. The manual calls for a "chain wrench". So far, this item is unavailable. I have been offered a "rope wrench". Will that work? Also, any tips anyone might have are extremely welcomed. Thanks

 

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I think you are asking about removal of the fan clutch with the reverse thread nut? When I replaced my water pump, '93, 3.0, I wedged my rubber handled hammer in between the belt and pulley which held the crank from turning. It actually did not take much to loosen the nut. The rubber did not distort the pulley. Remember, it is a reverse thread.

 

My fan clutch was titen well and it was difficult to loosen the nut. It is enought room to operate the wrench, but it was difficult to stop the pump wheel...

 

I used a belt wrench, will not scratch or mare the pulleys, and gets better grip on smooth sufaces than a chain wrench.

 

I used a rubber oil filter wrench on mine.

 

The fan clutch failed in my 94 3.0 maybe 2 months after I bought it. My wife drove it hot, cracked driver's side head.
I had to pull the waterpump and fan assembly off as one unit. After several attempts and a broken chain wrench, I took it to a local dealership, and after various methods/tools were used, they ended up having to cut it off with a torch, so I could salvage the fan blades.
If in doubt, REPLACE it now! Do not drive these vans if overheating, pull over and park it.

M

 

Check to see if a local parts store will loan you fan clutch removal tools. I live in the Midwest, and O'rielly, and Autozone both will loan you tools one of the which is a fan clutch removal tool.