How to Install a Water Pump in a Mitsubishi Eclipse

by Editorial Team

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is small and has little space in which to pack all the car's parts. Removing the water pump connected to the compact engine requires space to lay out all of the components you must remove to get to the damaged Eclipse water pump.

Prepare the Mitsubishi Eclipse

Step 1

Remove the negative battery cable. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screw that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post. Pull the cable away from the post.

Step 2

Release pressure from the radiator by slowly unscrewing and then removing the cap to the radiator. If the engine is hot, wait until it cools before unscrewing the cap. Lift the car using a jack. Support the Mitsubishi Eclipse with jack stands and the engine using a lift or other engine support device.

Step 3

Arrange a drop cloth underneath and around the car to soak up spills. Spread out another drop cloth near your work area. Use this space to lay out each part alongside its connecting bolts, brackets and belts in the order that you remove them.

Step 4

Place a large container on the floor underneath the radiator. Position it directly under the drain plug. Remove the plug to drain the coolant. Dispose of it safely.

Remove the Old Pump

Step 1

Use an adjustable wrench to remove the upper and lower engine covers. Undo the clamp bolt from the power steering hose and pull it aside. Check the Mitsubishi Eclipse's engine support and then use the adjustable wrench to remove the engine bracket mount.

Step 2

Mark the positioning of each drive belt and timing belt on the pulleys using a grease pencil. Remove, in order, the drive belts, air conditioning tensioner bracket, timing belt covers from the front of the engine, camshaft, silent shaft timing belts and the alternator brace.

Step 3

Record the configuration of bolts using a pencil and scratch paper. Remove the bolts that secure the water pump to the block. Take off or scrape away the gasket. Remove and discard the o-ring between the water pump inlet pipe and the pump.

Install a New Pump

Step 1

Inspect the new pump to ensure that it's the correct pump and is free of defects. Place a new o-ring on the groove located on the front of the inlet pipe, where it meets the water pump. Wet the o-ring with antifreeze. Don't use sealants or water.

Step 2

Position the gasket on the water pump and the pump onto the engine, where it meets the engine mount. There's no need for sealant here either.

Step 3

Insert the new bolts into the water pump. The bolts are marked on the head with two numbers: 4 or 7. Torque the number 4 bolts to 10 foot pounds and the number 7 bolts to 18 foot pounds of torque.

Step 4

Re-install the rest of the parts in the order removed. Re-insert the drain plug into the radiator. Remove the drop cloth and the engine support. Remove the jack stands and lower the Mitsubishi Eclipse to the floor.

Step 5

Refill the radiator with coolant according to the specifications in your owner's manual. Replace the cap. Place the clamp back onto the battery post and tighten it with the screwdriver. Close the hood and test the car.

Things You'll Need