Question before I start working on the cooling system...

[MrShanks2U]

I have to replace my water pump and t-stat this weekend. My question is, do I need to have my air conditioning system discharged before I start this work? Thanks in advance.

[steven.l.sobel]

No...I just finished the same project. All you will have to do it move it out of the way. I have a 3.0 and I hate to move the power steering pump mount to get at a bolt. It was a bit of a pain to get it off (5 bolts) but once I did, it helped. I also removed the Alternator and bracket. Not necessary, but it made cleaning the metal a while lot easier having all that crap out of the way.

[MrShanks2U]

Thanks man.

[triumphrider-1]

I'm doing the same thing this weekend too!

[MrShanks2U]

Too bad you don't live closer to NC...we could have had a "Cooling System Party."

[triumphrider-1]

LOL, well I just finished mine about an hour ago...the pump wasn't bad, but man was it a b***h to change out my tensioner. The previous owner rounded the head off so I had to take the entire bracket out with power steering pump attached and put a new one on.

Before you begin yours are you going to do a flush on the system? I did it to mine before hand and decided to read the directions after. Good thing too, they advise to flush the system to remove any debris.

[JP02XLT]

Do not discharge your A/C, just loosen the compressor mounting bolts & lay it & the hoses carefully out of your way, just dont bend the hoses where they pinch. I removed the motor & trans in mine & never discharged the A/C system, I layed the entire system over the passenger fender (with lots of cardboard & fender covers) Some bungie cords are hlepful to keep the compressor in the temp location & you know it wont fall. The only thing tough on the WP is the fan, sometimes it can be a real b***h, Most of the chain parts stores will rent you the wrench to remove it.

JP02XLT