Chrysler Repair: 2002 2;7L WATER PUMP replacement, damper pulley, water pump replacement

Question
HOW HARD AND MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO CHANGE WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT IN A 2002 DODGE INTREPID V6 2.7      AND AROUND HOW MUCH DO YOU THINK IT SHOULD COST

Answer
Hi Vicki,
A small amount of "weeping" from the pump is expected, but of course frank leakage is not acceptable.
The job entails removal of the fan/radiator crossmember, crankshaft damper (special tools), primary timing chain and cover, chain guides. Then the pump can be removed and replaced. And reverse the process to complete.
I don't know the time or difficulty not having done it. If one had the remove and install tool for the damper (pulley) it might be about 4 hours is my guess. The thermostat is trivial in comparison, maybe a half hour at most.
I can't tell you a cost. I would try and find an independent garage with a mechanic who has worked on this engine and so would do it right, with the right tools, and most efficiently.
It can be done by an amateur with some pages from the shop manual and the tools. They are Miller Tools #8191,8194,6792, 6792-1, and any brand of three Jaw puller such as 1023.
Let me know if you need the instruction pages.
Roland
PS Another expert, Kevin, gave this response about a month ago:
I am telling u right now as a tech  U dont want to mess with doing it. The water pump is inside the engine on the timing chain.

here is just part of it  not including the chain removal and such.

REMOVAL
The water pump on all models can be replaced without discharging the air conditioning system.

NOTE: It is normal for the water pump to weep a small amount of coolant from the primary weep hole (black stain at weep passage). Do not replace the water pump if this condition exists. Replace the water pump if a heavy deposit or a steady flow of engine coolant is evident from the primary weep passage (Water Pump Weep Passages - 2.7L) and (Primary Water Pump Weep Passage - 2.7L). This indicates a shaft seal failure and pump must be replaced. Coolant may leak from the secondary weep passage and fill the valley of the engine (Water Pump Weep Passages - 2.7L) and (Secondary Water Pump Weep Passage - 2.7L). If this condition is found, clean the primary weep passage of debris. Be sure to perform a thorough analysis before replacing water pump.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE PRESSURE CAP WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN RESULT.

Drain cooling system. (Refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE)
Remove radiator upper crossmember. (Refer to 23 - BODY/EXTERIOR/GRILLE OPENING REINFORCEMENT - REMOVAL)
Remove radiator fan. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL)
Remove accessory drive belts. (Refer to 7 - COOLING/ACCESSORY DRIVE/DRIVE BELTS - REMOVAL)
NOTE: The water pump is driven by the primary timing chain.

Remove the timing chain and all chain guides(Refer to 9 - ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT/CHAIN AND SPROCKETS - REMOVAL).
Remove bolts attaching water pump to block (WATER PUMP - 2.7L).
Remove water pump and gasket.