I'm just about ready to put the timing belt and bits back on the 04 Imp...removed the old h2o pump and was gonna install the new one...the new one seems kinda stiff when it spins, I thought it would turn more freely. Any thoughts? I really want to get this running or attempt it by tomorrow at the latest, thanks.

It should be stiff. New bearings and new seals are tight and make the pulley feel like there is more resistance. The engine won't notice. If the old pump feels loose/spins very easily then it is worn out and probably about to fail.

Are you replacing the idler pulleys as well? There should be similar feel to those. They should NOT spin freely. They should be smooth and quiet, but should not spin around and around and around when turned by hand.

How many miles are on the car?

Edited January 16, 201214 yr by Fairtax4me

Yes replacing all of the idlers etc along with new t-belt, h20 pump, t-stat...the car has around 150k...kinda high but here in AZ nothing is close. I actually picked it up after the PO broke the t-belt...I am hoping and praying the valves are good...we'll see. It was worth it for $750 - new tires and high end alpine head unit plus upgraded speakers alone worth the money. Thanks for the input, it's kinda what I thought but I want to be sure. One question, should I use any rtv with the H2O gasket???

$750 is a pretty good deal on an 04.

No, no RTV on that gasket. Just make sure the sealing surface on the block is 100% clean. Install the gasket dry.

 

Unfortunately bent valves are almost guaranteed with the newer engines, but it's definitely worth the time to at least stick a belt on it and see if it runs. You don't have to put everything (AC PS ALT, belts) back on, really don't even need to put coolant in it. Hang the belt and put the crank pulley on then tighten the crank bolt with a few quick tugs on the breaker bar. If everything is timed right, you should be able to tell if it runs well with only a few seconds of running. Really you only need to get it re-timed so you can do a leak-down test. But if you have to start it, and it runs Ok for a few seconds, then it's probably OK and can be put the rest of the way back together. Other wise it will be shaky and rough, and you'll know you need to put some valves in it.