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Chrysler Repair/2002 2.4L Caravan waterpump replacement

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Expert: - 1/9/2012


Question
Hi Roland. 2 years ago I replaced a broken timing belt in my 2002 2.4L Caravan (with your expert guidance). Boy am I kicking my own butt for not replacing the water pump at that time... live and learn. I think the water pump needs replacing due to the these observations:

1. It runs warm in our cool/cold weather.
2. Water is leaking from the vicinity of the crankshaft pulley.
3. with the radiator cap off and the engine running from a cold start, I watched as the enging warmed and the thermostat opened and didn't see water circulating in the radiator.

My question is, how should I secure the camshafts in place as I remove the timing belt and camshaft sprockets while I replace the water pump? Thanks for your time!"

Answer
Hi Eric,
Are you working with the Chrysler shop manual or equivalent? In principle you begin the belt removal by setting the crank at the timing mark on the oil pump and the sprockets are then in a recognizable location to timing marks on the sprockets relative to one another. There is a procedure for removing the tensioner. And then there are special tools for removing the sprockets. If you don't have the pages I can copy them off of an '04 manual and attach them to a email that I will send to you directly. To do that you have to ask a NEW question (not a follow-up) so that you can check the box to make it PRIVATE and then in the text area of the question write your email address. Follow these directions or it won't work.
I will be available for a new question in the morning around 8 am CST.
Roland

Chrysler Repair

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Roland Finston

Expertise

I specialize in Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouth cars, minivans, and SUV's for the model years 1982-2008 based upon my 50-year DIY experience, factory shop manuals and wiring diagrams. I offer fast repair advice to help you minimize repair costs by helping you diagnose and do it yourself. Problems with electronically controlled engines and transmissions as well as body wiring problems are my specialty.

I take questions one at a time between 8am and 10pm CT and attempt to answer within 20 minutes. "Maxed Out" means I am answering another question of otherwise busy, so try again later.

There are answers on file to more than sixteen thousand Chrysler questions at your finger tips: put a few key words in the "find" box (above) or click on "view past answers" for a chronological list of my q and a's. Don't use "Add to this answer" if you still have a question...ask it. As to trucks and jeeps I only have manuals for the '04-'06 model years.

Experience

Five decades as a 'do-it-yourselfer' on domestic and imported cars

Organizations
Yahoo Autos Group called The Chrysler Lebaron Club (co-moderator)

Education/Credentials
Degrees in Physics/bruised knuckles.

Awards and Honors
"Top expert of 2010" and "2011" at Allexperts. Among top 50 experts for years 2006-2009 at Allexperts.

Quickest "average response time" at Allexperts (currently no. 1).

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