Where is the water pump on a 1998 ford escort?

behind the carpeted panel in the rear of the car on the drivers side or whereever your fuel door is

belt driven

You have too remove the alternator, tensioner pulley, and probably would help to disconnect the power steering hose too give you a little more room too work. Now getting the pulley off the water pump is always the pain, see if you can loosen those bolts before removing the tension on the serpentine belt. If not try using a rubber oil filter remover to hold while you loosen the bolts.

Pretty sure you don't have any "air locks"....your thermostat is bad or your water pump has gone bad.

This can be caused by not tensioning the belt corectly.When fitting a new belt you should allways replace the tensioner,and make sure the water pump pulley is in good working order.Its always wise to get your timming belt from the dealer.as others are nown to be faulty.Fit new belt follow manuel when doing so.good luck

not to scare you but it sounds like the head is cracked i had the same issue.but it can in deed be the water pump.as far as the water level maybe it hasent used what is already in the motor yet so it hasent called for more from the reserve tank.

You will need to remove the raidator and the water pump is located directly behind the fan. Remove it and clean all the gasket off the engine. Refit the new one with the gasket and refit the radator and fan. Remember to refill the radator the coolant.

No sounds more like a head gasket. but check water pump in case its leaking

Water Pump 2.0L Zetec

Drain the cooling system.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.

1. Raise the vehicle; and SAFELY SUPPORT!

1. Remove the splash shield.
   • Remove the bolts.
   • Remove the splash shield.

1. Loosen the bolts retaining the water pump pulley.

1. Remove the drive belt.

1. Position the A/C compressor (if equipped) out of the way.
   • Remove the bolts.
   • Position the compressor out of the way.

1. Remove the water pump from the middle timing belt cover.

I am sure the leak is the water pump based on years of Escort work, The ZX2 is equipped with a 2.0L DOHC V-Tech engine. The water pump is on the front (rt side of car) of the engine block, visible with the hood up. NAPA autoparts replacement instructions are to loosen the belt drive pulley from the pump BEFORE removing the serpentine belt. Once the four bolts are loose, take the belt off (good time to replace?) remove bolts and old water pump (four more bolts)- it will be tight, but it comes out- clean gasket area and install new gasket and pump in reverse order. That includes putting the pulley on and hand tightening the bolts, put on the belt, finish tightening the bolts to the pulley.