New mechanic with a Pelican Super Water Pump Kit question

[DB325i]

A while back I bought an 89 e30 for two reasons. First, I've always wanted an older BMW. Second, I wanted to learn to work on cars. The 89 e30 seemed to be a good choice for both. Two birds with one stone!

Now that the weather is starting to get decent I'm getting ready to tackle my first project. Timing belt replacement. Given the maintenance history on the car isn't all that great I was looking at picking up the Super Water Pump Kit and a new radiator from Pelican. A couple of questions on this I'm hoping someone can help me with.

1) Any opinions positive or negative on the Pelican kit?
2) Pelican says that a tool (Crank Pulley Securing tool) is required on 6-cylinder models to change the crankshaft seal. They want $58.80 for this. Do I need it?
3) Given everything in the kit, how much time should I plan to complete the work? I'm hoping to get this done in time for the picnic coming up in June.

Thanks for the help. Also, any other advice for a first timer is welcome.

[Naplm00]

you dont need the crank securing tool, if the car is a manual, put it in gear and get to work 9with the timing belt still in place


same thing for the camshaft seal (most likely willneed External torx sockets)

Ill say that the crank seal usualy does not need changing and is a HUGE bitch to get off (250 ft # i think?)


Id say inspect it, if it not leaking, leave it be


the camshaft seal is alot easier to change ( do the seal and the O ring) and leaks much more often.


you may want to get a 32mm or 1 1/4 inch wrench for the fan nut, makes things easier...and i just use a chain wrench to hold the waterpump pulley to remove and replace the waterpump


YOu would maybe save some bread if you just asked patrick @ bma parts to put somehting togeather for you, he has been good to me.