Mazda CX9 3.5L-3.7L Water Pump Timing Chain Compression Test

This video details the water pump replacement on a 2008 Mazda CX9 3.7L (2007-2015 / 3.5L and 3.7L are similar) which requires removing the timing chain cover and some timing chain components. So the timing components are replaced, along with accessory belts, thermostat, valve cover gaskets, timing cover oil seal around front crankshaft, oil, oil filter, and coolant.
I also perform a compression test to check the head gasket.

[@2011mymazda]

That's what I'm talking about....that baby sounds excellent on the highway!

[@brentwilton8538]

thanks for the video, im considering doing the cam chains and water pump on my 2008 CX-9 3.7 because it is making a rattling sound on start-up. I noticed after listening to yours startup after doing the cam chains that it makes the same noise as mine. Im now thinking that noise is related to the flywheel/starter. what are your thoughts on that noise? Thanks

[@coryament]

i just took apart a 2012 because it sets a p0016 code as soon as you fire it up. turns out the water pump bearings are bad and the sprocket moves all over the place. never lost any coolant or made any noise. just a timing code.

[@xangdude]

I am almost done with this job but I've spent 2 days trying to get the serpentine belt back on. Did you have any problems with that? Using the old belt, its like 1 to 2 inches short even with the tensioner loosened all the way.

[@temper7859]

I just ran into the same issue Dealership didn’t mention replacing the water pump. But they said I needed a new motor. But changed the oil n the motor seems fine. I’m going with yr info just change the water pump

[@drew4utube]

My daughter's 2007 BMW X3 was totaled after being rear-ended... found a 2011 CX-9 touring in really great shape for sale ($7,900). 150K on it- very clean, according to CarFax it was dealer-maintained up until 80K then sold with no maint info thereafter. Took it for a drive and it runs GREAT- no noises/rattles, everything works..... then I get home and learn about the water pump issue. Now I'm concerned. I am fully capable with a wrench (owned the BMW X3 for several years and had to do some pretty involved work on it (shocker) and it runs GREAT). Knowing I can do the WP job myself- do you think it is worth buying this car with it already having 150K on it? If well maintained- how long can expect this car to keep moving on down the road? Any other issues to be aware of? - GREAT video BTW...thanks!

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I bought myself a 2015 CX-9 if that answers your question ;) I like them.

[@nihonkokusai]

Its almost similar to a bmw timing chain job

[@bc2595]

Have 2010 my sister's. The mechanic said that one of the heads are cracked, without even taking it off. I know you can only tell if it is cracked by taking the heads off and seeing a crack. The compression test, like you said, will determine if the gasket has failed for it is designed to so that it will protect the head. I have the mazda a my place, the waterpump in the crankcase is a new one to me. Thanks for the input looks like I got a few extra tools to buy along with the complete chain and gear assembly. Any other surprises to replace the head gaskets?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I don't think so

[@OsclusiveEnt]

What did you end up doing?

[@gustavogonzalez-ej5ji]

Thank you sir.

[@coryament]

the Chrysler/ GM puller works perfect

[@To-Masz]

What was the first symptom of a leaking pump? is the fluid getting out of the engine? does it flow immediately to the oil pan? my mazda cx9 is 200,000 miles. Works fine. the fluid is not diminishing. clean oil.

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I think there’s supposed to be a weep hole out of the timing cover, but if it leaks into the oil, it’ll turn it a milky gray or brown, on the dipstick. At that point, definitely shut it down….stop driving it.

[@jimmymoison1631]

Great job! I'm about to tackle this as well. How much time do you have invested from start to finish?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

It's a big job. From a previous answer... "I spent 500-600 on parts and consumables, and 18 hrs labor, so that's 2-3k at a mechanic depending on labor rate."

[@To-Masz]

@@TrentsOvertimeGarage What was the first symptom of a leaking pump? is the fluid getting out of the engine? does it flow immediately to the oil pan? my mazda cx9 is 200,000 miles. Works fine. the fluid is not diminishing. clean oil.

[@Дмитрий-й2ю8д]

​@@To-Masz вы первый владелец?

[@To-Masz]

My mazda cx9 2008 300,000 km mileage. The route is 4 km. The check engine light comes on. It stops for 15 minutes. I'm moving on. Everything works fine, engine shows no temperature increase. Another 2km I hear the cooling fan, after a while again. I turn off the engine, I don't know what's going on. The temperature does not exceed 90⁰C. The engine ran completely silent. There is no fluid under the hood. Mud on the cork. The oil dipstick shows 2-3 liters above the good condition of the oil. The car is at the mechanic now. In a few days I will want to change the water pump and timing belt. Clean the oil pan and valve covers. 2 oil changes and engine flush. I hope I didn't damage the engine. I was driving very slowly. What do you think? Any chance the engine isn't dead?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

Sounds like the water pump failed, so clean it up well and replace wpump and timing set. Should be fine.

[@To-Masz]

SKP water pump from eBay. Evergreen brand complete timing belt. Are these good replacement parts?

[@DT-bk2oy]

Hey, hoping you are still checking comments on this vid. My girl just got her 2012 cx9 back from the dealer. After it's 90 k service. They said they spotted a coolant leak that had left a trail down the back of the block from where the water pump is. They said that at this point the car was toast because it would soon fail catastrophically and dump.coolant into the engine turning the oil to sludge and destroying the engine. They said that there was no fluid infiltration yet but that it was still not worth changing the oil pump because usually when they remove the oil pump they find a crack in the block. Yet tubers seem to repair this problem even after there is leakage of coolant into the oil. Do you have any advice? Dan

[@DT-bk2oy]

Sorry, I.mean water pump

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I’ve done this job a couple of times and I don’t think it is a bad idea on your vehicle. There is a chance that the car overheated and cracked the block but it’s pretty remote. If it were me I would do the water pump and timing set job and get the car back on the road. These are pretty nice, well-made vehicles despite this water pump design.

[@jkjwf]

Awesome video! Do you happen to know the part number for the longer bolt?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

Sorry, I don’t

[@kellyjames9344]

I have a 2010 with 165k miles on it and just had the water pump failure. Sounds like I'm pretty lucky to get 165k miles out of it before the failure. I have it at my mechanics now. He confirms the engine is ok but will need the water pump and timing chain. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it. Any advice? What would be a reasonable cost to replace the water pump and timing chain with all the other parts that are needed for the job?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

If you do it yourself, it's obviously cheaper cause you can pay yourself less. I spent 500-600 on parts and consumables, and 18 hrs labor, so that's 2-3k at a mechanic depending on labor rate. If that car is worth that to you, then do it. If not, then you sell it for about that much.

[@NTGMITZA]

Our pump failed at 92k, we bought this brand new from the dealership. We took exceptional care of this vehicle. This was last week, the antifreeze went in top and bottom of motor, so they said it needs a new motor. Shame on Mazda for NOT disclosing that I was buying a FORD won’t ever buy another Mazda or Ford. Scrap motor for a water pump for 40 dollar part, but the plastic part on the pump that fails is only a few dollars. Ford engineering is the worst. They YUGO look good.

[@Дмитрий-й2ю8д]

​@@NTGMITZA какого года ваш автомобиль?

[@janabsahib5429]

Im having a hard time convincing a mechanic to do this repair. Is this expected? Both mechanics say that its not worth spending 2.5-3k on a car thats worth $6k at most.

[@maolo76]

Im in same predicament. 197k on engine. Coolant leak. It didn't overheating or seized up. My other option is to crash it to get paid for car worth.

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

Sorry to hear. I know it's a big job, but if you like the car, it should be worth it. This one is still running great 3 years and many miles later.

[@Дмитрий-й2ю8д]

​@@maolo76это пробег у Вас в милях или километрах?

[@thecristianlobo]

Hola amigo, soy de la CDMX y voy arreglar el lote de una mazda cx9 2009. ¿Podrías compartirme el diagrama de los punto de tiempo? Por favor

[@michaeltopping4658]

Where'd you get the parts? Not seeing a bunch of quality kits available

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

Yeah, kind of a gamble if not oem, but rockauto has helped me sort out some better quality stuff.

[@mrcarpet4u]

will an aftermarket warranty cover my cx 9 water pump and engine damage?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I would think so, but I'm no expert.

[@2011mymazda]

Yes CARSHIELD will

[@jkjwf]

How did you go about timing the engine before removing the old chain?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

8:00 mark in this vid. Run the cam sprockets til the dots are at the top, 12, or 1 o’clock position on both cams. The crank sprocket dot should be about 4 o’clock position. Then hold the cams in place with the cam holder specialty tool, or just crescent wrenches while removing/replacing the chain.

[@zarAK471]

is it rare to be able to save these before the coolant leaks into the engine and trashes it?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

not to catch the coolant leak, but I think you can save the engines. They will shut down once they overheat, usually before it's too late...

[@zarAK471]

Trent's Overtime Garage how many miles on these engines before the water pump usually goes out?

[@brayantheguru]

Can this failure cause no compression??

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

No, but a bad head gasket can, we were checking for that

[@starkilla102]

Is this the same for a 2015?

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

I believe this is common from 2006-2015

[@starkilla102]

@@TrentsOvertimeGarage okay thank you

[@yolandamorua107]

Can't hear you

[@TrentsOvertimeGarage]

You’re right, working on a better mic pickup