Sorry, I may have not been clear. I did not mean a block of wood same or smaller only a pipe. The wood should be any size larger to cover the whole seal.

 

I really appreciate the help shoebox. I am going to be doing it Saterday so I will let you know how it goes. Can you email me you paypal information so that I can be sure to let you know I appreciate your help. My email is mfranco3@elp.rr.com. I am going to wait to see how it goes saturday then I will let you know or send you some thanks.

 

Have you never been to my Tech Page? There is a donate button on the bottom.

 

I have been their and used it tons of times, never seem the donate button though.

 

I guess I need to move it to a more conspicuous spot.

 

I just changed my opti today..and no opti seal anywhere....is this only on vented models? Cause I have a 94...I dono, I figure if GM didnt put one on, it shouldnt be there.

-Dustin-

 

A 1994 has the splined drive for the opti. There is a smaller seal in the timing cover for the drive.

 

Ok, thanks just making sure, cause I dont want to do that again for awhile.

-Dustin-

 

Seal won't come off. I am trying to use a screw driver.

 

Shoebox, anyone,
I was reading this post since I have a water leak that appears to be comming from just above the opti, a steady drip, it is not comming from the small hole at the bottom of the water pump, is that the weep hole? it is not comming from any hose attached to the water pump. It seems to be comming from behind the water pump or between the water pump and block, a steady stream that does not start till the engine is at about 180 degrees+. It looks like I am going to need to pull the water pump to find out what this is. From looking at a picture of the back of a pump, it could be comming from the shaft, but not t hole at the bottom. It doesnt seem to be comming from the gaskets between the pump and block. Any troubleshooting advice guys? Thanks!! Jim

 

May not be coming out the weep hole for some reason, but still sounds like the pump.

 

It was the pump, thanks, leaking right out the shaft on the back. I went ahead and ordered the Opti seal discussed above and the #10457293 Cap Kit from GMParts Direct $108.45 plus $21.69 shipping, figured even though I have no miss with 108,000+ miles she is due. The water pump #12527741 was $138.67 plus $27.73 shipping in case anyone needs that info for reference. Gonna get on the reinstall this weekend, I have a couple of questions if someone can answer them:

Should I use black RTV or some sealer on the water pump gaskets?

Is there anyother way to break the crankshaft pully bolts loose other than buying a tool to fit in the holes on the front side?

I also have the dreaded intake leak, when I fix that later on will I have to drain the coolant again?

Thanks, Jim