280z - 1978 question: water pump removal

cbeers · 06-02-2005, 02:14 PM

Hey everyone,

My older brother has a 1978 280z that needs a new water pump. He found a pump but the wrench he was using wanted $$$$ to install, four hours labor.

Is there anything technically challenging about this R&R? Seems like unless you have to mess with timing chains to gain access, all else should be pretty easy going, although time consuming. Four hours of labor does not mean four hours of transmission rebuild.

Or does it?

Any advice / opinions / links are very welcome

Thanks,

-Chris

88BlueTSiQuest · 06-02-2005, 02:22 PM

Water pump runs off a belt, not the timing chain.

I can't really remember anything being too tough about working on those cars.... Maybe there are brackets in the way.

But 4 hours sounds like a stretch to me. We R&R'd 2 engines in an '83 280ZX in about 5 hours, yes 2 engines, with basic hand tools. Pulled a bad engine, installed a different one that turned out bad, pulled it and installed yet another engine.

Those are some of the easiest cars I've ever worked on.

cbeers · 06-02-2005, 02:38 PM

Thanks Jack. I was hoping to hear this, I think that I could go to his house and just get it done.

What I was getting at with the timing chain was gaining access to the pump and assembly. I have not seen this engine and am going on a second hand description.......

Thanks for the info!

-Chris

81 930 · 06-02-2005, 02:48 PM

Chris,

It's an easy job. You will need to loosen the alternator (2x 12mm bolts down below and 1x 14mm on top). You can then remove the clutch fan (4x 10mm bolts) and slip the belt off. Then you should be able to remove the water pump without removing anything else. I think there are 3 or 4 10mm bolts and 2 12mm bolts that hold the pump in place. Clean up the front cover gasket surface and install the new pump. That's about it. Of course, if the car (still) has A/C you will need to remove the compressor belt before doing any of this. You should not have to remove the radiator unless you have a really thick aftermarket one. This is all from memory, and it's been a few years, but I have owned 3 510s and a 240Z before I got into Porsches...

Best of luck,

88BlueTSiQuest · 06-02-2005, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cbeers
Thanks Jack. I was hoping to hear this, I think that I could go to his house and just get it done.

What I was getting at with the timing chain was gaining access to the pump and assembly. I have not seen this engine and am going on a second hand description.......

Thanks for the info!

-Chris

If I remember right....... It simply bolts to the front of the engine, much like changing the waterpump on a V8 Chevy.

The only thing I remember is that the fan shroud is in the way, and there really isn't much clearance. But once you get the fan clutch and fan removed, I *think* it's just a straight forward deal.

Once again though, it's been quite a while since I've been under the hood of one though.

FastDave · 06-02-2005, 02:53 PM

Isn't that 6 cyl designed after the old Chevy in-line sixes? If so, it should be a breeze after getting thru all the attachments in front of the water pump.

MBAtarga · 06-02-2005, 02:55 PM

It seems I remember having to remove the radiator on my 240 to replace the pump - because of an extra long bolt through the pump body. But then, it might be my imagination.

cbeers · 06-02-2005, 03:02 PM

This board is GREAT!!!!!

It seems that any question can be answered, and any problem tackled with the proper information

Keep 'em coming!

-Chris

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-02-2005, 03:24 PM

Beyond easy... You might want to take the hood off to free up a little space... Just move the alternator out of the way and there it is...

Tim Hancock · 06-02-2005, 04:18 PM

Seeing this thread makes me want my 240z from my college days back.
That car had some serious rust issues developing but it was a blast!

Shaun @ Tru6 · 06-02-2005, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by FastDave
Isn't that 6 cyl designed after the old Chevy in-line sixes? If so, it should be a breeze after getting thru all the attachments in front of the water pump.

I've heard from a trusted source that these were designed after Mercedes 6's. I've had 5-6 240's and without a doubt the easiest car to work on, easiest car to drive, best bang for buck ever.

I was digging through old boxes in my grandfather's basement a few weeks ago and found a perfect horn button. Such great memories.

Water pump is cake on these things, Haynes makes a good manual.

88BlueTSiQuest · 06-02-2005, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Shaun 84 Targa
I've had 5-6 240's and without a doubt the easiest car to work on, easiest car to drive, best bang for buck ever.

I had 2 280zx's at one time. I've been itching to find another, but "rust free" and "280ZX" are never found in the same sentence......

I just loved how the car gave the illusion of speed, when the rear end squated down on the snubbers, and nose raised up in the air under hard acceleration. Kinda felt more like piloting a rocket, hell, it steered and handled like a rocket, so why not

David · David's Garage

I just have to post a pic of my old 78 Z

It was a great car, just not very stiff and there's always the rust issue. I sold it to a guy at work and I still see it every so often.

Tim Hancock · 06-03-2005, 08:08 AM

Sweet David! My '72 240 was silver also with maroon and black interior. Man, I am getting an uncontrollable urge to start looking for one again.

cbeers · 06-03-2005, 10:31 AM

Glad to see that I started a spark for all of you ex-Z guys

They are actually pretty cool cars. I always liked them growing up, but never thought about getting one.......hmmmmm

-Chris

Kirk911SC · 06-03-2005, 10:44 AM

I had a '73 240z with a L-28 (2.8 litre) engine, ported, polished, decked, headers, early style carbs.

Was a great car. Engine sounded almost as good as a flat 6.

Floors rotted out like they were made of paper. Passenger seat actually hit my driveway once when I sat on it!

Kirk

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-03-2005, 11:15 AM

If anyone's interested, my old roommate has a 78 280 for sale...

90,000 original miles, current registration

Fires right up, runs good. Could probably stand to have the vacuum hoses replaced.

Interior is in pretty good shape, however the rear deck carpeting has faded, if you lift up the luggage belts, it's black, where as the rest of the carpeting is tan.

It's actually a damn fun car to drive...

known problems:

Needs new clutch slave cylinder

Needs new A/C compressor, A/C blew cold until compressor siezed

dent on passenger side fender

She wants $1000 for it

Kirk911SC · 06-03-2005, 02:08 PM

Where is the car located?

Jared at Pelican Parts · 06-03-2005, 02:22 PM

Van Nuys, CA, about 20 miles north of LAX

88BlueTSiQuest · 06-03-2005, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jared Fenton
If anyone's interested, my old roommate has a 78 280 for sale...

90,000 original miles, current registration

Fires right up, runs good. Could probably stand to have the vacuum hoses replaced.

Interior is in pretty good shape, however the rear deck carpeting has faded, if you lift up the luggage belts, it's black, where as the rest of the carpeting is tan.

It's actually a damn fun car to drive...

known problems:

Needs new clutch slave cylinder

Needs new A/C compressor, A/C blew cold until compressor siezed

dent on passenger side fender

She wants $1000 for it

Wow, an uncracked dash and good looking, albeit ugly, interior.

Fenders are a dime a dozen, I wish I lived close by to take a look in person