[vintagestapler]

So. My Saab story is beginning. I bought a 2000 9-5 wagon (2.3t) for $400. 167,xxx miles. According to a Saab specialist (which I had look over the car before I bought it) it needs a water pump. Is this something a guy with exceptional mechanical skill can do? Ive worked on my 65 Dodge Dart before (fuel tank, fuel pick-up, fuel pump, all filters, carb rebuild, etc), but the Dart's 3.8 liter slant 6 is huge compared to the 2.3t in the Saab. The shop quoted me $600 for the job. I could pay that, but if I could do it myself I could put that money towards something else for the car, like a roof rack or a replacement fog light.

Is the water pump something I can replace myself?

Thanks,
John

 

[pez]

I honestly forget the details, but a buddy and I have done the water pump on a 2.3T 9-5 before. I don't recall it being all that bad, as water pumps go.


Cheers,
Colin

 

[gregk]

It's not that bad of a job. Got to support engine, drain coolant, take off large aluminum engine mount on pass side, remove power steering pump (no need to disconnect hoses), remove water pump. There is a sleeve between water pump and block that can also come out. Proparts water pump kit didn't come with o-rings for both sides of that sleeve so might want to order an extra o-ring. I also changed lower rad hose and small u-shaped hose while I was at it, because they're hard to get to later. I removed rad fan assy to give me more room, but it's not necessary.

 

[jcm]

A bit more info: there are 3 13MM bolts for the pump- 2 on the top. There is one 12mm coolant line fitting. There are 2 10mm bolts you need to remove. One on the right side of the pump which holds the coolant tube in place. The other on the right side of the engine also holds this line in place. The U shaped hose and bottom hose clamps are a PITA to get to. Be patient and crafty with the right tool. You may consider changing to screw clamps. The pump will easily pull out from the block fitting. The O-ring in on the block-side fitting. I'd replace it with your mileage. I found an exact ring from a Harbor Freight o-ring kit cost $10 which included upwards of 100 different rings. Use dielectric grease to condition all O-rings and to avoid damage. As to fan removal - yes, a lot more room to work. 2 10mm bolts on top, pivot up while working around the post on the exhaust which bolts the heat shield. You may be able to pull the PS pump to the left without removing hoses. good luck.

 

[pez]

I did remember one more detail that may be helpful- CONFIRM in advance exactly which spare part you're getting. We initially ordered the Saab part from the dealer, but it was only the front part of the pump with impeller assembly. The back part of the casting was missing, one was supposed to re-use the half of the pump on the car, and seal the sides together... 6 or 8 bolts holding the halves together, if I'm not mistaken. Looked like a pain - we returned it and picked up a different brand pump that was ready to install.

 

[unclemiltie]

putting the halves together isn't a huge deal


The install isn't too bad, you have to take off a bunch of stuff and make sure that you get the o-rings and fittings sealed up tight. A couple hour job.

There is at least one tutorial in this forum or saabworld on how to do it. Take your time and all will be good.

(you might want to consider changing the serp belt at the same time since you have to take it off anyway)

 

[rayray]

The water pump is by far the hardest job I have ever performed on 4 cyl 9-5.
If you have never done it, then I would say give yourself at least 2 days ...

When I changed mine, it took me 9 hours, to later find out the o-rings were not the correct size, and I had to take everything out again - pretty much 2 x water pump jobs ...

The second time around, it only took me about 4 hours, as I had already gone through the first learning pass.

The biggest pain by far was the coolant bolts feeding the turbo ....

Good luck.

 

[05Aero21]

So. My Saab story is beginning. I bought a 2000 9-5 wagon (2.3t) for $400. 167,xxx miles. According to a Saab specialist (which I had look over the car before I bought it) it needs a water pump. Is this something a guy with exceptional mechanical skill can do? Ive worked on my 65 Dodge Dart before (fuel tank, fuel pick-up, fuel pump, all filters, carb rebuild, etc), but the Dart's 3.8 liter slant 6 is huge compared to the 2.3t in the Saab. The shop quoted me $600 for the job. I could pay that, but if I could do it myself I could put that money towards something else for the car, like a roof rack or a replacement fog light.

Is the water pump something I can replace myself?

Thanks,
John

Hepu brand water pump from Eeuroparts. Top quality and about 70.00.
Take your time.... Alternator job IMO is harder.

 

[unclemiltie]

The water pump is by far the hardest job I have ever performed on 4 cyl 9-5.
If you have never done it, then I would say give yourself at least 2 days ...

When I changed mine, it took me 9 hours, to later find out the o-rings were not the correct size, and I had to take everything out again - pretty much 2 x water pump jobs ...

The second time around, it only took me about 4 hours, as I had already gone through the first learning pass.

The biggest pain by far was the coolant bolts feeding the turbo ....

Good luck.

Trust me, take the fans off of the radiator. you will be happy you did. The banjo bolts are the hardest part but if you don't have the fans in the way there is a LOT more room. Takes 10 minutes to take the fans off and another 10 to put them back, but you will save yourself a lot of headache, especially on your first try through.