i was using the timing belt tensioner tool to change my gears (following the directions for rre's cam install) when i heard a pop and water started pouring out the front cover. the only thing i can imagine is i somehow hit the water pump, what kind of damage could i have done, will the belts have to be replaced since they are probably soaked in water now (i just did a complete timing/balance belt job a few thousand miles ago).

water wouldn't destory the belt. if it was water only. Any time you wash the engine bay all those things get wet!

but how the heck did you get water out of there?

I hope you haven't created a hole some where in the block. but that is a damn hard cast iron:|

AMin

well there is coolant in the water, guess i should have said coolant instead. i'm just trying to figure out what i've could have done. the tensioner pulley is right next to the water pump and that's where the tool pushes is next to the pulley so all i can figure is the tool slipped and did something to the water pump. probably not much point in guessing what it might be when i've got to get to it to fix it anyways.

Sean,

it sounds like you may have cracked your water pump

You should replace your Timing belt and balance shaft belt (if you are still running Balance Shafts) The timing belt is not meant to get wet with coolant, oil or any other contaminant [contrary to the above comment, the timing belt(s), pulleys, tensioner and water pump do not get wet any time you wash the engine bay..atleast they don't if your engine has all the guards and covers in proper working order)-the timing belt covers have seals on them...

Contamination of the timing belt(s) can severely alter it's performance and life expectancy.

thanks. i just took the water pump off, you're right it's cracked.