MF 265 Water pump R&R procedure?

[WCMtns]

Hello, I work on a large property and we use an old MF 265 that has been great for many years but it seems the water pump is on its way out. There is some odd clicking at lower RPMs when first starting the engine and the fan has a noticeable wobble when you grab a blade and wiggle it. The tractor/property owner says the last time he noticed the clicking sound it turned out to be the water pump so that's how we are proceeding. I'm fairly certain the engine is a Perkins 3.9.

I'm familiar with working on diesel pickup trucks and various small engines but have never worked on a tractor before. The access is kind of tight around the fan and the removal order isn't obvious to me. Can anyone tell me the basic order of parts removal? I would like to avoid removing the radiator but there is not a lot of room to get a ratchet in there to undo the nut holding the fan assembly and then little room to pull the fan forward before hitting the radiator.

Also, when refilling the coolant system is there a preferred anti-freeze? With my old Ford diesels I always use Fleet Charge for the SCA content.

 

[Roadworthy]

My experience with water pumps, though limited, I always pulled the radiator as the first step. That gave me plenty or room to work. I suspect about any ethylene glycol anti freeze would suffice though they now have newer anti freezes out which are compatible with other coolants as well.

 

[lpakiz]

If you think there may be enough room to work without removing the radiator, I like to cut a piece of cardboard the same dimension as the radiator and place it tight to the radiator. This prevents damage to the radiator fins and even the tubes, if you were to slip or pry something into it.

 

[TractorTech]

First off, welcome to TBN @WCMtns !

On most tractor water pumps, it isn't difficult to remove the 3 or 4 bolts holding the fan and possible fan hub extension to make room to take off the water pump.

I like the idea of cardboard to protect the radiator @lpakiz. I have not punctured any, but have had tight fits that scratched up the fins.

 

[lpakiz]

And another advantage to the cardboard idea is that it is quite a bit easier on your knuckles as you work in a tight space.

 

[WCMtns]

Thanks for the replies. I've done the cardboard trick before to save the rad fins. I guess I'll try to remove the fan and then the hub extension before pulling the radiator.

 

[Dman1981]

Pull alternator don't pull bolts or nuts for water Pump pull four bolts that hold housing to block and spin it out
Easier to get pulley off and pump