i have an 02 disco II. It was overheating very badly this weekend and i had it towed home. On sunday i was doing some investigating and discovered that the water pump is leaking like crazy spraying coolant everywhere. So i guess no big deal i've replaced water pumps before but never on a land rover. Are there any tricks or tips i need to know about it or is it pretty standard? i was also planning on replacing the serpantine belt while i had everything disassembled. Should i replace the thermastat as well?

 

Yes, replace the thermostat.

And other than that crazy external thermostat, changing the water pump is no different than any other aluminum block V8 from the 60s.

Get a 36 MM wrench so you can take the fan off easily.

 

I would replace the coolant hoses if they have never been replaced and flush the coolant system while you're at it.

 

good call on the serp belt while your at it. thats what i was going to suggest.


lemme know where you find/order the pump. i need to replace mine this summer.

 

Spend the $15-$25 buy a 36mm fan clutch wrench if you don't know someone who already owns one. The free 'loaner' tools at most auto parts stores are worn and frequently measure more than the specified 36mm...

 

Get a factory water pump gasket. The aftermarket ones are junk.

 

For water pumps call PT at 260-804-0458 P. T. Schram Rover Repair, Indiana's Finest Land Rover repair service
He has the goods ones, heck he might even have thermostats.
I went through 3 bad water pumps before I put one of his in, no problems since then.

 

i found a couple of water pumps on atlanticbritish.com they have the OEM pump and also a slightly cheaper generic one. they also have all kinds of parts for rovers. i'm new to this so i'm not sure if anyone else has experience with them or not. the guy i bought my rover from recommended them to me.
as far as the wrench, i have the advantage of being an engineer for construction company that has a full fabrication shop. so i was going to have the guys make me one out of like 3/8" or 1/2" plate on our CNC plasma cutter. i figured that should work.
as always gentlemen, thanks for the advice.

 

Rover newb, Atlantic British is a good company to deal with but when it comes to prices you have to shop around to find the best price on what you are looking for.

 

The generic has a stamped metal impeller. The OEM has a machined block of brass. I know which one I chose. You decide.