MF 250 Water Pump removal

Hello forum,

It looks like I may be needing to replace the water pump on my MF 250. Losing coolant. With the tractor off I can spin the fan with my hand and see coolant leaking around the shaft behind the pulley. Has anyone had experience replacing this water pump? First quick glance with the hood off it does not seem to be all that easy to get too.

Haven't changed one on a 250, but if the hood is off, coolant drained and rad removed, you should have lots of room?

Hello,
Once the bonnet (hood) has been removed access to the water pump is greatly improved. Remove the fan belt and fan. If tab washers are fitted to the bolts treat them carefully so that they can be re-used. Slacken the water hose connections and remove the hoses at the pump. It is worth replacing the hose that fits between the pump and thermostat housing as it is a lot easier now. Slacken the bolts holding the pump. If mempry serves the bottom RH bolt is longer than the others so you will need to support the pump whilst you remove it.
You are likely to find some corrosion of the timing cover behind the sealer plate and gasket. Wire brush it clean and coat it with a sealant such as silicon. Apply a smear to the gasket faces. Fit the new pump/thermostat housing hose and fit the pump. Tighten the bolts. Refit the blades and belt and adjust until there is about a 5/8" deflection on the longest side. Refit the radiator and turn the fan by hand to ensure that it is not fouling the rad cowl at any point. Replace the coolant and refit the bonnet.
Check for any leaks.
UK part numbers;
Pump U5MW0023
Hose kit U5MH0006

DavidP, South Wales

Thanks!

I did have to dig in and remove the radiator but it was far less a pain than expected. The water pump has been replaced and I am in the process of buttoning it back up with new hoses. I would like to replace the thermostat before I do that but it appears the fuel tank needs to be removed. If so, there are two bolts at the back of the tank, but I am befuddled at how it's attached at the front. Any experience with this task?

Much appreciated,
Axtell

Hello,
It is not necessary to remove the fuel tank to replace the thermostat with it stripped as you have it. Slacken the two bolts at the rear of the tank by about 1/4". The front mountings are two coach head bolts that fit into slots in the metalwork of the tank. Under the tank are round rubber pads with a large steel washer underneath. The washers sit on part of the thermostat housing. Under the housing wings there are springs a 5/16 flat washer and locking nuts. The slots in the tank should stop the bolts turning. Using a 1/2" AF spanner the nuts can be removed. If the bolts are turning it is possible to insert a large flat screwdriver into the mounting to hold the bolt down.
When the bolts have been removed place a block of wood between the rocker cover and the tank. This will give you free access to the thermostat housing. Do not overtighten the mounting bolts when replacing.

DavidP

Thanks David.

A big thank you for your information on how the fuel tank is mounted. With a better understanding I did go ahead and take the fuel tank off just for the sake of cleaning which allowed me access to the top portion of the thermostat housing.

Big thanks again!
Axtell