Chrysler Repair: 00 Cirrus LX 2.4L water pump replacement, camshaft sprockets, crank pulley

Question
Hi Roland.  I may be in over my head. My cousin came over with his 2000 Chrysler Cirrus LX.  We've determined the issue to be the water pump, but I can't seem to get to it.  We couldn't get the timing chain cover off, which is what it seemed like we needed to do to get to the pump.  Am I making this harder than it is?  I have access to a lift if that helps.  Thanks for any help - I'm stumped!

Answer
Hi Chuck,
Unfortunately, without a good deal of information from the shop manual this job cannot be done. You would find the lift helpful so it is good you have that. The main issue is that to get to the pump you have to support the engine, remove the right engine mount and then the timing belt and the camshaft sprockets and finally the back cover of the timing belt area. That then allows you to remove the water pump.
Most people also replace the timing belt as part of the job if it isn't so new as to be in fine condition (the standard recommendation is to replace it at about 100K miles). I can copy about 6 to 8 pages from the '99 manual that I have about the total job and postal mail it to you. The Haynes manual #25015 covers the job as well if you can find that locally or I could xerox those pages. If you want me to send the copies give me a postal mailing address. After you receive them if you would be so kind as to send me back three 42-cent stamps to cover the copying and postage that would be appreciated.
So don't go into the job any further till you have the information. Unfortunately, the design of many contemporary engines put the pump in the block and drive it with the timing belt. The good old days of the external pump driven by crank pulley belt seem to have passed away.
Roland