Can I just loosen up the tensioner and slide the timing belt off of the cam gear and change my water pump that way? I changed the timing belt a few months ago, and don't want to have to deal with the crank pulley bolt again. I guess I'm just lazy.

 

If you were going to do that, something of all things would probably happen and move your cam gear a tooth or two and you'd have to reset everything to TDC again so might as well do it once and do it right.

If you haven't changed your timing belt yet, now is a good time to do so.

 

I understand what you are saying, accidents happen. But have you ever tried to turn your cam gear, let alone just bump it on accident?

 

once the timing belt is off the cam gear is much easier to move. and all you need to do is move it one tooth either way to cause trouble. also don't you have to take the bottom cover off to get the water pump out? I've never tried squeezing it past, but I'm pretty sure it's not the best way

 

Oh well, 0 for 2. Guess I'm gonna do it the hard way i.e. the correct way. =-]

 

don't feel too bad, I think the crank pulley bolt is a ***** too