Engine out

If you can pull the engine out Dustin, then you should be able to replace the cam belt/water pump/tensioner bearings and tensioners.

Perhaps have someone check the timing with a degree wheel before you put the cam covers back on to make sure its spot on.

Id rate the job a 7-10 for a first timer. Just like anything, after you do it a few times, aint that hard IMO.

For a first timer it should take around 4-5 hrs to get the engine out I reckon. Guys with experience can get them out in 2 hrs.

 

On a waterpump bearing there should be no discernable play.
I have in my basement a 15 year old waterpump that I pulled from my 355 ( I changed it only for peace of mind) and there is absolutely NO play of any kind.
I also have a brand new 355 waterpump and there is NO play in that waterpump either.
Any play and the waterpump seals would be ruined in short order.
On a 355 this is not a huge problem but on a 348, where the pump is driven by the timing belt this is another matter altogether.
The pump bearing and seal should be replaced now.

But its up to the owner........how lucky do you feel.

 

I should have been MORE clear Chris.

ALL bearings have some play. Trust me. You may not be able to see it or feel it, but they do.

Some levels of play are acceptable, some are not.

I dont know what level of play Ben's waterpump has, its up to him to decide what is acceptable and what is not. If he has no experience with this, then perhaps he should take it to someone who can give him some advice or "if in doubt...........chuck it out".

SKF make a 'C3' bearing which has tighter tolerances. They pass the test of having "no play" when you check them. But they still do. We have checked many times before using a dial indicator to confirm.

The cheap bearings have more play in them because they are cheap sh*t and dont compare to the big names. We only use SKF C3 bearings at work, cause we think they are the best.

Im sure the factory used SKF bearings back in the day. But who knows whats in his water pump now. The bearing may have been replaced once before. I dont know. It all comes down to what he wants to do. I aint telling him what to do.

Id replace the bearing because I would want to replace the seal. Some guys re-use the water pump without rebuilding or replacing. Its their call.

 

I think we are in agreement.
With a dial indicater there will be some measureable play.....which may not be discernable by a "feel" test.
I was referring to discernable play and I understood the O.P. to say he observed play in the waterpump bearing......and if you can feel the play.....then its time to change the bearing (and seal).
Yes, only the O.P. knows how much play is there.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0-oinyjsk0&feature=related

 

Totally agree with ya.

 

Thats funny.........thats exactly what I was thinking when I typed that.

 

Great minds think alike they reckon Chris!

 

Absolutely

 

+348/355!

 

cool.......

 

lol...i like that

 

And then some!

 

Very wise decision

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0-oinyjsk0&feature=related

 

just rebuild the pump. its common sense to do. if you "feel" play its too much. reguardless even if you don't its easy cheap insurance. a leaking water pump sucks. and yea you can pull the motor again, but why would you want too? yea its fun pulling the motor the first time, but its not as much fun 2nd even though you know wtf you are doing. especially if its in the same relative period of time. the next time that engine should be removed is 4-5 years. for piece of mind for me i would do it now. why not???!

 

Lol!

Good to see you have a sense of humour mate!

Happy wrenching friend.