Any Tricks on Water Pump Install?

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Sep 26, 2009 | 10:07 AM

G-Sting

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: LaUgH, mOrE!

Any Tricks on Water Pump Install?

'79 No A/C, 4 Speed with A.I.R.:

It looks like I'll finally be putting a new stock Eckler's water pump on with a new drive belt. What are the tricks to getting it on and bolted in? Seems like you must mount the water pump with pulleys and the belt all on. Any thoughts/tricks to help?

Also, the GM part number for the belt matched one at NAPA. But the new notched belt seems maybe a half inch or less longer. Do you think it will work?

Sep 26, 2009 | 10:24 AM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

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There's no need to mount the pump with the pulleys already attached. Your local car parts store couldn't get you a correct pump? That's strange.

Sep 26, 2009 | 11:01 AM

MN80Vette

Drifting

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From: Columbus MN

There's no need to have the pullies and belt on when you install the pump. You will need to take all the belts off between the water pump pulley and the fan first. The AIR, alternator, and power steering pump adjust the tension on belts. Reinstall the belts in reverse order of removal (from the pump outward).

Sep 26, 2009 | 01:09 PM

G-Sting

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Burning Brakes

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: LaUgH, mOrE!

Quote:

Originally Posted by MN80Vette

What you both are saying makes sense. There was a lot of tension on that water pump belt, so I wasn't sure how to go about re-installing it all. I will (1) install the fan studs on the water pump, then (2) install the water pump with gaskets, then (3) install the water pump pulley with belts, then (4) the fan & clutch, then (5) tighten all the belts. Correct?

All the other belts are off already... as well as the AIR pump. This job is turning into a bigger project than I originally thought as I have paint peeling on the front of the engine which I'm going to clean off and repaint. And do some other detailing. Then put it all back together. It better fit like a puzzle.