Nothing wrong with my waterpump besides the fact that I have 100K miles on the stock original.

Would draining the rad be enough or would I still need to drain the block of coolant?

On my dad's Buick Regal we just tightened down the bolts to what felt snug enough and its held up fine with no problems.

Is it ok to do the same or should I follow the torque specs to the point?

Do I have to remove the opti?

 

I would get the torque specs, better safe then sorry.
I would also drain the block too, less chance of spilling it on the opti and it only takes 30 seconds.
The opti doesn't have to come off.

 

Where do you drain the block from?

The knock sensor?

 

the knock sensor acts as a plug so there is also a true plug in the same location on the other side of the block. just draining the rad wont get all the coolant out that youll need out if you want the opti to stay dry in the process. ive had mine off several times and just snugged up the bolts.. didnt worry about the specs and never had a problem.

 

I just snugged them down real good, never had a problem either.

 

I've replaced my waterpump once and pulled it another time to replace the opti. Just draining the Rad is fine. There won't be too much that spills out of the block and hoses, just have a rag to soak it all up. I didn't follow the torque specs just snugged em up good.

 

Ok thanx guys.

 

spend another 30 seconds and take the precautions or youll be acking for jason cromers # for an opti real soon.