Auto Repair Manuals

RobS · Apr 1, 2008

My trusty truck is in need of a water pump. Shouldn't be a biggie, though some friends suggest it is. In my younger days, I had a Chilton's book for every vintage of vehicle I owned and they were pretty decent. I just read some reviews on Amazon and all the books (Chiltons, Motor, Haynes) pretty much got slammed for being far too simple.

All I really want is an exploded view to get an idea of what I'm in for. Truck is a 97 F250HD 4X4 crew cab w/ 460, air and manual trans (older body style). Anyone have a good source for the view I want?

TIA

RonMar · Apr 1, 2008

I have had good luck with Toyota and Ford dealerships providing tech info from their factory manuals, including copies of pages. I think a good dealership knows a do-it-yourselfer is going to do it themselvs regardless so sharing the info builds good will and maybe a future customer.

You can also sometimes get exploded views from the parts department. I have quite a collection from the Toyota dealers over the years.

texbaylea · Apr 1, 2008

RobS said:
My trusty truck is in need of a water pump. Shouldn't be a biggie, though some friends suggest it is. In my younger days, I had a Chilton's book for every vintage of vehicle I owned and they were pretty decent. I just read some reviews on Amazon and all the books (Chiltons, Motor, Haynes) pretty much got slammed for being far too simple.

All I really want is an exploded view to get an idea of what I'm in for. Truck is a 97 F250HD 4X4 crew cab w/ 460, air and manual trans (older body style). Anyone have a good source for the view I want?

TIA

The Chilton Library is on-line as a subscription deal. I have not looked at it but can get free access through my local public library. Check it out as they may have a daily or weekly rate.

I have always bought the factory manuals for my vehicles. Costs a bit but well worth it. I keep all sorts of notes there as I work on them. The manuals for my 2002 Chevy Suburban is a stack about a foot tall. 90% electrical data.

Vernon

MrJimi · Apr 1, 2008

You can go to autozone.com and take it from there, very good and free

RobS · Apr 1, 2008

MrJimi said:
You can go to autozone.com and take it from there, very good and free

All good ideas, but the Autozone is right for me! That's probably where I'll do my shopping anyway, thanks MrJimi.

Anyone done a waterpump on a 460? Something about studs into the block that like to twist off?

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

ray66v · Apr 1, 2008

Go to Autozone and buy the Haynes manual, (around $20). It will be a very good investment.

MrJimi · Apr 1, 2008

ray66v said:
Go to Autozone and buy the Haynes manual, (around $20). It will be a very good investment.

Bump head time. Get a Chilton's manual and be happy
just kidding Ray66v, Chiltons are far better

Phils · Apr 1, 2008

I agree that Chiltons are better than Haynes, even tho (or maybe because) I used to work at a place that sold Haynes.

I've had success buying factory manuals on CDs from eBay, although that'd be overkill for a Ford waterpump. My Toyota factory manuals are $200 but were only $20 on a CD. Also have them on CD for my projection TV and three Honda generators.

I have an antique Gateway laptop that I use as a portable PDF reader (it's Win95 and not good for much else).

Phil

ray66v · Apr 1, 2008

MrJimi said:
Bump head time. Get a Chilton's manual and be happy
just kidding Ray66v, Chiltons are far better

Chilton's may be better. I have used both, and find the Haynes books to be more readily avaliable around here, and they are just fine. I have always gotten the information I needed. Perhaps you guys need more help with your jobs than I do.

ScottAR · Apr 8, 2008

News flash. Haynes and Chilton are owned by the same company, and in some cases are exactly the same manual with different covers. I find them fairly ok for pickups but seriously lacking in many cars. We sell both but Chiltons outsell Haynes even though they're cheaper.

The only studs I can think of are the ones in the end of the pump hub for the fan clutch. If they strip just change em on the new. Might do it anyway.
The windsor style engines have some funny looking long studs that hold various brackets and so on but I don't think there's any on a 460. Motormite/dorman makes the funny looking studs in an assortment if you have any. I'd change my rad hoses and the fan clutch if there's any play. Got em off anyway.