Timing belt tension spring

[buzdof]

Is it really necessary to keep? I have the new timing belt tensioned and tightened but I can't get the water pump in place without screwing up the gasket if I have the spring fighting against me...

[jlevie]

If the timing belt is brand new, remove it, install the pump, then re-install the timing belt. It is possible to replace the pump with the timing belt in place, but then it really becomes a two person job.

[abepark]

your gonna strip threads if you try to torque down the water pump while trying to tension the timing belt. Install water pump before timing belt.