Hey guys,

I have a 2000 Dakota, V6, 3.9L engine. I have 2 questions. The first one: My car started to over heat the other day. I think that my water heater stopped working because it had a small leak. The thermostat was changed over summer and I know its not the ratio of water and anti-freeze. When I turn the heater on full blast, even when the car is "hot" before it over heats (over heats within 3 minutes of driving, the gauge goes up and warning light turns on), it blows cold air, like I have it on vent. I wanted to know someone thinks its another problem and if it is hard to change the water pump. I know a little bit about mechanics, but I've never changed a water pump before. Do I need any specialty tools? This is my #1 priority right now.

My second question is: When I recently replaced my heater core and when I put my dash back together, my vents don't work. Regardless of where I put the switch, it blows air from the back. I can control whether I want it on AC or vent, but I can't control where the air blows out of. It blows out from the top of the dash against the windshield. Any idea? I don't think the switch is bad, because I didn't take it apart or play with it. It might be an electrical issue? I wouldn't know where to start.

I really appreciate any and all help. Thanks guys

 

your water pump is bad if it overheats within 3 minutes of starting up.

 

You also may want to check your fan clutch to make sure it's in the proper working order. And make sure you haven't taken some damage to your radiator from a rock or something. Sometimes if you've got damage to the radiator, it can restrict the flow of coolant to your motor. These are just a couple "quick" things you can do as a process of elimination, before you just start tearing into a water pump.

I think there's a video on "you tube" about replacing a dakota water pump that may help you.

 

those are all true, but since he said it had a small leak i'd say that the water pump burnt up.

 

Thanks guys. Its not the radiator... I'm pretty sure its the water pump.

So I took it apart and everything was going okay. When I came to put on the new water pump, and tighten the clutch fan to the pulley, I came across a problem.

I have an AC Clutch Holding tool that worked fine on the old water pump, but the holes on the new water pump are in a different location so the tool doesn't work. It doesn't reach the holes. Is there any suggestions you guys might have as to how I can tighten the clutch fan back on?