You might remember a few days ago I asked about electric water pumps, and got some good advice, thanks. I ended up deciding to go with a remanufactured stock mechanical pump and not drain out the mod fund quite so much

Anyway yesterday I tried installing the new pump, using Chilton's and a web guide as reference. The hose clamps and fans were a PITA but anyway after I got everything ripped open I got stumped unbolting the old pump. One of the 6 bolts, the leftmost or "9 o'clock" one, seems inaccessible. The power steering pulley and water pump housing seem too close together to get a ratchet extension through. I'm using a 1/2" drive ratchet but it looks like even with a thinner extension, the socket would be off center and wouldn't work.

At the time it seemed like the only solution was to either take off that whole accessory bracket (involving the alternator and power steering pump and probably more), or cobble together something with a 1/4"-drive ratchet and two u-joints...anyone know a better way? Thanks again.

 

I did it without taking off the power steering pump. Use a standard length socket and a 3/8 drive extention. If I remember correctly you put the socket on the bolt head, its a tiight fit but it works, then slide the extention into place. Should come right out. Getting it in is the same situation.

Use some thread sealer on the bolts cause they are going into your water jackets.

Hope this helps, but it has been a while since I did it. Shoot me an email if ya got any questions. tedg85@msn.com

Good luck
-Ted

 

1. I HATE the stock hose clamps, and I suggest replacing them all with the kind you tighten down yourself (the band type clamp w/ the tightening screw). Only a couple bucks at any parts store, and you'll thank me later.

2. You can get that bolt in question w/ a 3/8" ratchet, but I just use a 1/4 inch ratchet and extension. Fits very easily.

3. You didn't "have" to take off your fans, but makes it easier to pull the pump. The fans are actually pretty easy to yank if you simply remove the hoses from the radiator.

4. Once you remove the bolts, the water pump isn't just gonna fall off. Take a block of wood, hold it at the top of the water pump, then give a good bang to the wood w/ a big hammer. Should pop it loose.

5. Swap pumps (would be a good time to do the Opti if you were so inclined........), making sure to get the block clean of the old gasket material. Put RTV on both the block and waterpump, and the water pump gasket in between. Install is reverse of removal.

 

just make absolutely sure you get all of the old gasket off. The mounting spots for the water pump should be ncie and shiny before you put it on. I'd use some sealant too, gaskets tend to dry out and crack [read leak, ON YOUR OPTI].

 

Thanks for all the help. I agree about those hose clamps, I'll upgrade to some of the worm-gear type. I'll also make sure to use some RTV. Cheers