How to Install a 5.9 Liter Water Pump

The water pump on the Dodge 5.9 liter engine is the heart of the engine cooling system. When the pump starts to go bad, you may hear a loud squeaking sound coming from it that indicates the bearing is shot. Another way of checking the pump is to look for significant leakage of engine coolant. While some leaking is normal, significant fluid loss is an indicator that the pump is bad. In any case, the result will be an overheating engine, which can lead to more significant and expensive damage. It will take about an hour and a half to replace the water pump on the engine.

Instructions

1

Open the Dodge engine compartment and disconnect the negative cable from the battery. Open the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with a wrench and drain the engine coolant into the pan. Remove the AC compressor from the mounting bracket using a socket and ratchet if your Dodge has an AC system.

2

Set the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Dodge. Lift the front end of the truck using the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the Dodge near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the alternator and the bracket using a socket and ratchet. Remove the water pump pulley using a wrench to loosen the bolts.

3

Disconnect the lower radiator hose using a screwdriver to loosen the clamp. Remove the water pump mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet. Pull the water pump and old o-ring away from the engine block. Discard the o-ring. Put a new o-ring on the engine block along with the water pump. Install the bolts and tighten them with a socket and ratchet.

4

Connect the lower radiator hose and tighten the hose clamp using the screwdriver. Install the water pump pulley and tighten the bolts using a wrench. Install the alternator bracket and alternator using a socket and ratchet. Tighten the adjusting bolt on the alternator to add tension to the serpentine belt.

5

Remove the jack stand from under the Dodge. Lower the truck to the ground. Place the AC compressor in the mounting bracket and tighten the bolts using a socket and ratchet if your Dodge has AC installed. Refill the radiator and reservoir with engine coolant. Connect the negative cable to the battery. Start the truck and check the work area for leaking.