cvette96

Hi, I'm new to the DIY car repair so I'm hoping someone can help me. I'm sure this has been gone over in detail in other threads, so providing a link would be just as helpful, but what I need is a step by step process on how to replace the waterpump, and potentially the optispark, on my 1996 LT4.

I cant forsee any problems taking the waterpump off, but where is this seal that needs to be replaced before I reinstall the new one and what is the process for installing it? Does anything need to be done to it before it is installed?

Also, I'm sure the new waterpump will come with a gasket, but does anything need to go on the gasket before install and does anything need to be put on the bolts?

Is there anything else that needs to be done besides just taking it off, replacing the seal, cleaning old gasket surface off, installing new gasket and hooking it all back together?

I appreciate the help!

Legal-Eagle

While you are doing that, you might also consider replacing it with an electric water pump.

It is worth a few HP (since it is eliminated from the drive belt), and cools the water even at idle.

It also has less of a chance of leaking all over your opti.

Jay

jaa1992

Do a search there are lots of pictures in the tech section.
Use permatex thread sealer on the water pump bolts.
Follow the procedure in the FSM and you should be fine.

You may want to find someone local thats done work on thier car to give you a hand.

jhammons01

^^WW7,

I'm sorry but your process is woefully inadequate, there is not one procedure for kicking the tire, cussing or beer drinking......

You really need to make sure you're posting the correct info when you post like that.

WW7

John, My personal instructions have beer breaks and plenty of cussing, but I copied this one from the tech section on this site..I can't believe that guy didn't at least include a few beer breaks..

Josh Wilson:: The best way I have found to loosen the nuts or bolts on the waterpump pulley is to use a large screwdriver and wedge it between 2 of the bolts on the pulley, then use that as leverage to hold it while you loosen the other bolts or nuts...WW

tlong

I replaced mine without moving the compressor, serp belt or power steering. Y'all need to understand that the waterpump on a '96 is driven by the cam.

92ragtop

The LT4 pump is shaft-driven like the LT1, and therefore, there would be no pulley.

jimmymack

The best writeup you'll ever see, with pictures
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html

cvette96

Very nice link, thank you. I also made a new post about the waterpump I bought. Went to autozone and bought a Duralast pump. Was this a bad idea?

Strick

At least you got a lifetime warranty. I went with the electric pump 8 years ago. Works great.

Here's something I wrote about it. A little long, but it might help out.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=231&TopicID=2

runner140*

Thats the best step by step i've seen.

samsonb

It is a new pump. So it is better than a rebuilt pump. I'd much rather spend $50 on a new Duralast water pump than $300 on an AC Delco water pump as I've seen listed through Ecklers, etc.

Though, I do wonder what is the difference between the regular Duralast pump and the Heavy Duty Duralast pump that costs twice as much?

cvette96

I'll gladly pay three times more for a waterpump if it will last three times as long. I don't want to have to replace this thing in a year. There is a lifetime warranty, so hopefully it will last a long time with no issues.

STL94LT1

Holy Misinformation Batman!!!!

Listen to the LTx guys on this one, the rest don't have a clue about LTx waterpumps.