2003 Town & Country - Water Pump Removal

T&C FOOL

MEMBER
2003 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

I'm trying to change the water pump on my 2003 T&C (3.8 L) using the instructions off Alldata. I've run into a big problem - there isn't enough clearance between the water pump & adjacent frame member to get the pump out! The instructions make it sound like you just take the bolts off and remove the pump (even the Chrysler instructions read this way!), But when I slide the pump out of its body on the block, the pump shaft bangs against the adjacent frame member before there's enough room for the pump impeller to clear the pump body. I need another 1/4 - 1/2 inch. I've tried moving the pump up, down, and side-to-side to find a little more clearance with no luck. %$#&*!

Does anyone have a tip/trick to get the pump out ( and new one in)? Right now, I'm thinking I'll have to support the engine under the oil pan with a jack, then unbolt the right side engine mount and lower the whole engine about an inch until the pump clears the frame member.

I'd appreciate a response ASAP!

Thanks!

2 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

That's probably your solution, or loosen the mounts, try to push the engine over a bit with a pry bar, You might also try bending the sheet maetal near the area you need more clearance.

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Sunday, October 28th, 2007 AT 7:47 AM

T&C FOOL

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the response - I eventually thought of the prybar myself, and I ended up doing it with a prybar against the frame & the belt tensioner bolt. Much less hassle than the motor mounts! My big beef is that the Chrysler shop manual and Allpar both leave this out.