follow the FSM, theres a not a whole lot to it. One word of advice, dont even try to remove the black pipe sticking out of the water pump, just go buy a new one at the hardware store.
1989 L98 water pump
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Drifting
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From: Somewherein Pa
1989 L98 water pump
I was hoping someone had a good write up on replacing the water pump. I did a search and have started reviewing my FSM. Just wondered if there is write-up someone had done to help? 
Thanks
Thanks
Le Mans Master
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
Team Owner
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Le Mans Master
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From: E. Amherst NY
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Drifting
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From: Somewherein Pa
Drifting
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From: Winchester Virginia
Well I did the one on my 91 and I'm about to do it again. It's not that hard and I didn't have any problems swapping the nipples on the waterpumps. Once I get a chance, I'll replace my waterpump (Have to do it again) and post the pics and write-up on here. I guess it's just different experiences for different people, and the waterpump and Frisbee was the 2nd thing that I ever did on my 91 Vette. The first thing I ever did was to replace the seals in my D44 pumpkin, and I'm by NO means a Mechanic! Goodluck
Noland
Noland
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Le Mans Master
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From: Santa Maria CA
Changing the pump is straight foward. Just follow what the FSM says. There is nothing magical or mysterious about it.
Just use thread sealer on the bolts.
Le Mans Master
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From: Santa Maria CA
I think the hardest part of this whole job is removing that long torx bolt that is right under the AC pulley.
It holds the AC braket against the head. Lower part of AC bracket shares the right side water pump mounting bolts .It needs to be moved aside to allow you to fish out the pump.
The book also calls for the removal of the ps pump bracket on the left side. I left it in place and used a combo wrench to get that water pump bolt out. Saved me time.
It holds the AC braket against the head. Lower part of AC bracket shares the right side water pump mounting bolts .It needs to be moved aside to allow you to fish out the pump.
The book also calls for the removal of the ps pump bracket on the left side. I left it in place and used a combo wrench to get that water pump bolt out. Saved me time.
Race Director
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From: Database Error Indiana
Of course that was a few years ago so 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Pearland Texas
Only advice I'll throw out there is to stick to the bolt torque specs. You definetly don't want to crack the aluminum A/C bracket. The FSM is the best route. I followed it ( questioned a couple of things ) and found the procedure is straight foward. Clean all the gunk and debris from that area when you have everything out. Buff up the harmonic balancer and slap some white paint on the timing mark.
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Drifting
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From: Somewherein Pa
Thanks all for your input. In several post I read, some folks say put the gaskets on dry, one said white lithium grease, others said RTV?
I did not see anything in the FSM....any comments?
Thanks Again!
I did not see anything in the FSM....any comments?
Thanks Again!
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 142
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From: Centerport NY
Just want to add 2 more items as tips
1. I have a 1990 L98. the Haynes manual does not mention anything about removing the serpintine belt tensioner. On my car, unless you take it off you cannot move the AC bracket far enough to clear the head stud.
2. When you disconnect the fuel lines at the fuel rail on top - if you have a full or near full tank of gas and the front of the car is not elevated, fuel will continue to leak out of these lines. I did this working in my garage and did not realized until there was large pool of gas under the car. Safety issue.
Good Luck!!
Le Mans Master
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From: Santa Maria CA
Thread Starter
Drifting
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From: Somewherein Pa
UPDATE: Well last night I finally got the time to get the pump off! It's going well so far and I have a couple of questions/observations.
1.It is a lot of things to move to get to 4 bolts
2.No problem with the "black pipe" or any bolts.
3.For those who have had to replace the wp, did the pump seem to be the problem or was it the gaskets. I have to say the pump on mine looks fine but the gaskets were toast! New pump and Felpro gasket should do the trick.
Hope to finish this weekend and thanks again for everyone's help!
1.It is a lot of things to move to get to 4 bolts
2.No problem with the "black pipe" or any bolts.
3.For those who have had to replace the wp, did the pump seem to be the problem or was it the gaskets. I have to say the pump on mine looks fine but the gaskets were toast! New pump and Felpro gasket should do the trick.
Hope to finish this weekend and thanks again for everyone's help!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 216
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Shade Tree?? That's what built the performance cars today, I could mention alot,Jenkins in nhra,petty in nascar working out of his garage in the back yard,warren johnson, delveloped one of the best engines for GM.I found that a little evensive, back yards are where the new ideas come from.But what do I know, im just a tennessee country bumkim with a garage in my back yard. hehe
Last edited by davenbocafl; Jun 19, 2008 at 06:09 PM.
Thanks everyone for your input.....now it's time to drive!!!!