P.O.S...

[Jeff W <hjr@buffnet.net>]

Jeez, Al, please calm down!

Having gone thru the same procedure (plus cam & lifter R&R), I can only
note that these things generally take longer the first time, and are
frustrating until you figure out the technique.

I agree that that some of the things, at first blush,  don't make sense.
(like the water pump).  But how many times have you seen "failed water
pump on I5" on the list?  My I5 is running strong at 150K, using no oil
between changes.  Is this a sign of poor design?

Did you remove everything in the way?  I was surprised how quickly the
whole front end comes off the car, leaving easy access to the timing
belt stuff.  

Make sure you carefully clean & prep the water pump mating surface on
the block, and put a thin film of silicone grease on the O-ring & block.
(Audi mechanic clued me in on this; noted a service bulletin, rust pits
on old blocks can chew the O-ring when you rotate the pump on timing
belt adjust.)

I can point to a number of more difficult & frustrating R&R procedures,
and do not associate this with poor engineering. 


Good luck! 

Jeff

'88 80q