hi,

thanks for everybody who pointed me in the direction of yankee trading. they seem like the right people for the job. on another note, i recently noticed a grumbling noise toward the front of the engine block when the engine is cold. i thought it was in the water pump area so i asked around and thats what some people thought it might be. i checked the bearings on the fan and there is alot of play. i can't figure out why i wouldn't have been leaking coolant at all. i am assuming this means i need a new water pump and fast. i would much rather do this myself and was wondering how much work it would be. i took a look at it this afternoon and it doesn't look too complicated. it looks like i just have to drain the coolant, and unscrew a couple bolts. i realize i might have to take off the plastic that surrounds the fan, but again that doesnt look to complicated. if anybody has any info to make this a little easier on me, id appreciate the info.

p.s. the car has 212000 miles and im guessing hasn't seen a new pump since the first hundred thousand. and while im at it i guess i should replace the thermostat too?

cory smith