Well, it will be an all weekend affair to change it....timing cover has to come off and timing set has to come off...and depending on how well you can seal the timing cover back up where it meets the oil pan, the oil pan may need to come off or at least gasket replaced by fishing it around the pan.
I poped my wp gear out with a quick pop with a claw end of a hammer, but I've heard others didn't get so lucky. Its just pressed in once the retainer bolts are removed. I've even heard of the bearings in the rear section coming apart upon removal thereby forcing you to remove the intake manifold to fish them out. Just giving you worst case scenario so there won't be any surprises. If you are a well versed shade tree machanic and have all the tools its should be no prob, just time consuming.

 

Well good news

The water pump is now leaking water...I checked my fluid today and it was about half way down so I'm happy I know what the problem is. A little worried about the opti, but I dont plan to drive it anymore until its fixed..

I'm just prayin the grindin wont be the gear off the timing gear

I'll update you in a few days

 

I'm betting it's just the water pump.


Good luck
-Mike

 

Will I need to buy any gaskets for putting on the pump when I go to autozone?

 

You will need two water pump gaskets, if they don't come with the pump.