Need some help here. Water pump on 1986 f150 with a 302. Does the crank harmonic balancer need to be removed to replace the water pump? or is this only necessary if replacing timing cover gasket?

 

Assuming it is like my 91 302 and I'm sure it is, no, the balancer does not have to come off to change the water pump. FWIW, you should have a coolant by-pass hose that runs from the pump back to the intake manifold at the thermostat. Make sure to replace this little short hose. It can be a PIA to get the right one so make sure it fits before tearing it apart. For my 91, it is a pre bent formed hose meaning a piece of water heater hose won't work. If this hose breaks, you get to remove and reinstall the pump all over again.

 

Thank You Labnerd!

 

Coolant bypass hose:

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/f...pass+hose,2155

 

Thanks glc!