Water pump replacement on a KIA Optima III 2.0 Petrol
On the KIA Optima III 2.0 Petrol, the water pump is driven by the alternator belt (auxiliary belt), not the timing belt as is often the case in cars. Consequently, replacing the water pump on the Optima 3 is straightforward and does not require many tools. You will also need to remove the alternator belt during the process, which can be replaced at the same time if necessary. Belt size: 6PK2120.
The original pump has part number 25100-25002 and is not particularly cheap. To save money, a pump with part number N207 was installed. Difficulties arose during installation requiring modifications to this pump. We recommend choosing more reliable parts manufacturers if you do not have time to adjust the component.
To replace the pump on a 2013 KIA Optima, you need:
- 10 mm combination spanner;
- Socket wrench or small ratchet with a 10 mm socket;
- 17 mm combination spanner;
- 17 mm and 13 mm socket wrenches (if an engine undertray is installed);
- Container for draining coolant;
- And the pump itself.
Here is our brand new 'miracle' pump.
View of the belt drive from above.
And the pump.
If an engine undertray is installed, remove it. In our case, 13 mm and 17 mm spanners/sockets were needed.
The entire belt drive is clearly visible from below. First, while the belt is under tension, you must loosen the water pump pulley mounting bolts. Since there is little space between the engine and the chassis rail, you can only access them with a 10 mm combination spanner.
Place a 17 mm spanner on the tensioner pulley and pull anti-clockwise to slacken the belt. To make it easier, you can hook on a second spanner as shown in the photo. Remove the belt.
Unscrew the previously loosened water pump pulley bolts and remove the pulley itself.
Unscrew the five 10 mm bolts and remove the pump, remembering to place a container underneath to catch the coolant. There are two guide pins on the block which the pump sits tightly on.
Carefully compare the old pump with the new one.
Compare from all sides and... In our case, we notice a discrepancy in the pump shaft and impeller. We test fit the pump to the engine and see that the impeller is binding against the engine block.
To resolve this situation, we had to modify the impeller and shaft using an angle grinder and sandpaper. Check again, and the pump fits without issues.
Clean the mounting surface of dirt and old sealant.
Install the new pump, not forgetting the new gasket. Install the belt.
Pour coolant into the radiator. If reusing the drained coolant, it must be strained through cheesecloth or a fine mesh.
Check the level in the expansion tank.
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