Replacing the Waterpump
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Replacing the Waterpump
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!
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!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 128
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From: Centennial Colorado
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
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,226
Likes: 9
From: Irvine Ca
^^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.
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,735
Likes: 412
From: WV
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
Last edited by WW7; Mar 2, 2010 at 01:14 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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The LT4 pump is shaft-driven like the LT1, and therefore, there would be no pulley.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: West Chester PA
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '25
The best writeup you'll ever see, with pictures
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
The best writeup you'll ever see, with pictures
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Here's something I wrote about it. A little long, but it might help out.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...=231&TopicID=2
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
The best writeup you'll ever see, with pictures
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html
Thats the best step by step i've seen.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
Though, I do wonder what is the difference between the regular Duralast pump and the Heavy Duty Duralast pump that costs twice as much?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
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?
Though, I do wonder what is the difference between the regular Duralast pump and the Heavy Duty Duralast pump that costs twice as much?
