Mustang Parts › Install Guides, Tech Guides & Frequently Asked Questions › Mustang Tech Guides › Steeda's Guide to 4.6L Water Pump Pulley identification

Steeda's Guide to 4.6L Water Pump Pulley identification

Mid-way through the production run for the 2001 model year Ford changed the design of the water pump on the 4.6L engine. The older style pump produced from 1996 to mid 2001 had a longer shaft. In January of 2001 the design of the pump was changed to a shorter shaft. This necessitated a change in the design of the pump pulley.

You should visually identify which pulley/pump you have before ordering.

The old water pump pulley had a convex or "bowed-out" face, the new design has a concave or pressed in face. There is no exact changeover date for the pump and pulley. It is important to visually inspect your car to see which design you have. Supposedly the changeover occurred in January of 2001, but we have seen cars with identical January build dates and different water pumps and pulleys. We have also seen the old style pulley use in a few 2001 models, so be sure to check yours before ordering.

Refer to the pictures below to see which pulley design you have and the right part number for your application.

This is the 1996 to mid-2001 (early style) pulley.
Note how the face is bowed outward.

Use Part # 16088 or 16091.



This is the late style pulley - used from mid-2001 thru 2004.
Note how the face is depressed inward.

Use Part # 16090 or 16092.



             
    96 to mid-01 side view                       mid-01 and newer side view