My car died a while ago so i brought it to the dealership to check it out. they said there was a plug that was corroded on the distributer and it was causing it to die. They said they would have to change the waterpump, opti, and wires and estimated $1200. If i would buy the parts from GMpartsDirect, it would end up being about $400. I think it got corroded from driving in wet weather and it wasnt the waterpump leaking. They said something about having to change the waterpump once they take it off or some crap. I am thinking about doing it myself and i want to know how easy/hard it would be to change it all.
Thanks
Alex

 

what kind of bullcrap is the dealer giving you?? waterpump need not to be changed if you wanna change the opti. damn dealers

 

no it is about 400 from gmpartsdirect, its about 700 from the dealer

 

they would still charge me 364 to install it all which i think is WAY overpriced. if you reread the post it is clear. How much work would it be to change the opti and the water pump? I have experience installing all the mods below and some other stuff. It doesnt look like it would be that hard and i could get somebody who is experienced to help me, i have all the tools i would need i think. thanks a bunch

 

I got my car from the dealership today and they told me that their labor wasnt warrantied but the parts should be warrantied from the place i buy it from. They basically told me to go somewheres else or do it myself. Anybody have an install guide changing the opti and waterpump?

 

Sounds like not getting your car fixed there is a better idea anyway. This guy has some pretty good guides.

The job itself is a bit time consuming, but certainly not the mental olympics. Just be patient and take your time, you should be fine.

 

I had my opti done at the dealer(was 3/4 way on a trip from Seattle to PA and had no choice) and it was about 1k for parts and labor. He inspected the water pump when he took it out and said it was okay. They provide a 1 yr. parts AND labor warranty, but maybe thats only if you buy their part. The car runs a little strange now so I think I am going to take it to a dealer(since I am not near the dealer that did it).

Anyway I dont have a point, it sucks paying that much money for something so simple- but the warranty was comforting(especially since they didnt change my water pump). Its up to you really, that much money can pay for 2 optis and change if you do it yourself... but then you have the PITA factor.

 

Its easy as hell. Jack the car up, take off fans, ignition coil and bracket, intake elbow. Drain radiatior. Take off waterpump and distributor. A Chiltons Manual would help you out with any more questions.