96 SOC Base neon. how much a job is it to check/change the water pump on this car. It is leaking coolent out the bottom of a plastice cover under engine. I don't know but I this this is some kind of splash guard under the timing belt over. If this is a big job, anyone know the estimated cost a mech. would charge me to do it? I am mech. inclined and have worked on this car before, but time factors on some jobs are not realistic for me

Thanks

Shawn

 

It would be the same job as replacing the timing belt. Timing belt, tensioner, and water pump. Labor intensive job with many parts a pain to get to and remove. They will also look at your serpentine belt pulley, engine mount, trans. mount, upper, and lower torque struts. Check out youtube neon timing belt change (2 parts). If you decide to tackle it, having a helper will make it a lot easier.

 

Going to cost $605.00 with parts and labor. The parts kit alone was $181.00, so its $400 in labor. will take about 6 hrs. guess it ain't that bad because I live in apt and can't do that kinda job in driveway, nor can I kill a day or two doing it. It always takes longer the first time I do a job than second.

Thanks
Shawn

 

Ouch.... Yes it will take you a while to do the 1st time. You will waste a lot of time trying to get stuff off and on again. Raising and lowering the engine to get bolts off.
Make sure they inspect the right engine mount while they redo the timing belt. It's a pain to get to on your own and will be easier to get to when they do the timing belt. I got the cheap anchor brand (china) and the rubber is very hard. If it needs replacing go oem if you can.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Anchor-2979-Engine-Mount-Front-Right-/310753474367?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1996%7CModel%3ANeon&hash=item485a59b73f&vxp=mtr