Nissan Repair: Nissan Cefiro water pump replacement, rb20det engine, nissan cefiro

Question
On my 1991 RB20DET engine the water pump is turning into a major job.First,the replacement pump came without a gasket.Is it normally installed with one?  Secondly,to get at 3 pump bolts it looks like the harmonic balancer bolt needs removing just to get the unbolted lower half of the timing belt cover off.Then the timing belt needs to come off too.To put an impact wrench on the harmonic balancer bolt it looks like the radiator has to come out.
  This is where I stopped.I have no manual so I turn to you.Can you help with info on the procedure to replace the pump that I don't see?If the balancer bolt needs removing,how can I prevent the engine from turning over?All this work just for a water pump is strange.
  Please help.Can you direct me to or send me a shop drawing on this project? Thanks in advance.     Bruce.  

Answer
Bruce,

Yes, the water pump replacement is a pain in the butt.  I would do the timing belt while I had the front taken a part.  That would mean you need the belt and tensioner.  Yes, taking the radiator out is the best way unless you want to remove the inspection plate to get access where you can lock the ring gear to keep the engine from rotating when you take the harmonic balancer bolt off.  I would purchase a gasket and begin the process.  The cost to have this job done is quite expensive.  But, if you have never done one of these it might be left to a Nissan shop.  That is, unless you know someone that can walk you through the process.