What is the best way to install a water pump drive in the block. I ordered a new one and I don't want to damage it. pics would be nice if anyone has them.

 

Anyone know? Can I even do this with basic tools?

 

i am perty sure you have to take off the intake and there are a couple torx screws that hold on the retaining plate
i may be wrong but im perty sure thats what you have to do

 

This is going in a rebuild. I have the old one out, I just don't know the best way to install the new one.

 

if your refering to the driveshaft with the gear that meshes with the cam gear
then the best way to install it is gently

just take a rubber mallet, eye it in place, a couple of taps and its in good
then put in the two torx screws

 

Won't that push the shaft into the bearing. I figured there was a way that would put the pressure on the outter area of the bearing. I just don't want to damage it. GM doesn't give them away.

 

I dont know what part you are talking about but if its metal, heat it up with a heat gun and maybe it will go on a little bit easier.

 

It is the gear that runs off the cam gear to run the waterpump. The part is 10219554 and there is a pic on gmpartsdirect.

 

oh, nevermind

 

I remember seeing an article somewhere about installing the drive with bolts to pull it into the block. I think it was the LT1 buildup for project snowball in GM High-Tech magazine. Does anyone remember this article?

 

try tapping it gently with a rubber mallet like i said and you'll see how easily it goes in

it really goes in so easy you wont even worry about damaging the bearing

 

I will try that. I was just worried about damaging it. This rebuild has got way out of hand. Machine work, heads, cam, gaskets and other stuff. It seems when I think I have everything, something else turns up. This 355 better go like stink.