Ok..so I tried and I tried, but I cannot get either the knock sensor or the drain plug off my block with the tools I have. Will it be a big deal to change the water pump without draining the block? I would imagine I'll have a mess, but how critical is it that I drain the block first?

 

I've done it a few times with just draining the radiator. How does your fluid look? if it's still good make sure the container that you catch it in is clean so it can be reused.
*make sure you put plenty of rags to protect the opti!

 

After draining the rad just the amount from the lowest bolt on the water pump comes out. I forget how much that is (1 or 2 quarts?).

 

No problem as long as you're changing the opti.

 

I'm changing the cap and rotor...hopefully that's enough

 

I did my water pump a few times now with the front of the car up on ramps. Drained the radiator. Pulled the bottom bolts out as stated and let them leak out, but you still get a bunch that comes out when you pull the pump off so just cover your opti with a garbage bag and have a bunch of rags on hand.

 

That's exactly how I'm doing it (on ramps) and I let the bottom holes leak out when I pulled the bottom bolts. I got the 4 large bolts off the water pump but I'm having a helluva time getting the 2 smaller, side bolts off. Just called it a night, I'll attack it tomorrow morning. From what I've read, the ignition coil and air pump have to come out to get to the right side small bolt in the water pump, what about the left side? The bolt is buried...

Also..does the bottom (crank) pulley have to come off to change the cap/rotor on the opti?

 

Correct about the right side - the air pump bracket slides over the bolt stud. igition coil should be fine.

Nothing should be blocking or in the way of the left side bolt.

pulley needs to come off.