2G How to Remove Unorthodox Racing 1-Piece Water Pump Pulley?

[El_Ryno]

Hi gents,

I'm trying to change the timing belt on my 1998 GSX and am stuck at the water pump pulley. Hoping someone might be able to offer a tip on how to remove the 1 piece unorthodox racing aluminum water pump pulley pictured. I've got the driver side motor mount removed, and have the engine jacked up by the oil pan as far as it will go but still not enough space to get it out. Would removing either the bottom-front or passenger side engine mount allow for any more vertical lift on the engine? If so, is this safe to do with the engine lifted just by the oil pan alone?

Thank you in advance!

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[Mello]

Bummer. What happens if you lower the engine as far as possible? Would you have enough room to take it out from the bottom?

 

[dwb]

Since you're doing timing belt, I assume you will be doing the water pump too. Will the water pump + pulley come off/out together?

 

[El_Ryno]

Thanks for the prompt response @Mello

I guess that would involve removing the entire lower cross-member and engine mount correct?

Edit- checked and no way to lower the engine enough to get the water pump pulley out through the bottom :-\

 

[El_Ryno]

@dwb thanks for the prompt response

Yes, correct I'm replacing the water pump also. However, I don't think I can get to the bottom water pump bolt without removing the timing belt tensioner, and the rear water pump bolt seems to be behind the timing belt tensioner pulley... so it's looking like those would have to come off first correct?

 

[El_Ryno]

Is it safe to remove the passenger side engine mount as long as the engine is supported underneath by the oil pan?

 

[dwb]

I'd be worried about denting or crushing the oil pan. I'm also guessing you still have all the driveline parts attached, which adds additional weight to the engine if you take that right mount off.

Why not just take all the timing components off - tensioner/arm, pullies, belt etc. and then see if you can get the water pump bolts out? It might be tight behind the WP pulley but I believe it can be done with a box end wrench rather than a socket.

 

[DSMPT]

Off the topic, but you have the tensioner pulley on backwards. You should fix that while replacing the timing belt.

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[El_Ryno]

@dwb thanks again! Removing the camshaft timing components seems like the next best course of action. I suppose I should make sure all of the timing marks are lined up before doing this correct?

@DSMPT Thanks for the tip! I'm definitely replacing the tensioner pulley This would explain why the timing belt is riding on the inside edge of the camshaft sprockets.

 

[dwb]

I suppose I should make sure all of the timing marks are lined up before doing this correct?

I wouldn't worry about it, it all has to be realigned anyway when you put the new belt on.

 

[Mello]

Removing the water pump with the pulley floating around like that is probably your best bet. Anyway you try is going to be a pain but looks like you don't have many options. I would toss that one piece pulley and go back to OEM.

Also, I would set all the timing marks proper & avoid having to rotate the crank too much so piston valve contact isn't possible.

 

[El_Ryno]

Removing the water pump with the pulley floating around like that is probably your best bet. Anyway you try is going to be a pain but looks like you don't have many options. I would toss that one piece pulley and go back to OEM.

Also, I would set all the timing marks proper & avoid having to rotate the crank too much so piston valve contact isn't possible.

Thanks for your expert advice @Mello!
I was able to finally get that sucker out by first removing all of the camshaft timing pulleys and belt (after lining up all of the timing marks). No idea how I'm going to get the new water pump gasket to stay on while I wrestle it back in, but maybe if I can remove the engine mount it will be a little easier.
In the photo it looks like there is only 4 bolts connecting the engine mount to the block. If I remove those 4 bolts will the driver-side engine mount come off?

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[dwb]

In the photo it looks like there is only 4 bolts connecting the engine mount to the block. If I remove those 4 bolts will the driver-side engine mount come off?

Yes.

 

[AWD-Tony]

Even removing stock pulleys on a 2g, you have to lower the motor all the way (with only removing the drivers side mount).