I'm trying to replace the water pump on my '95. (Took an immediate and un-planned dump...) Got all the bolts out, got the thing separated from the block, can't remove it from the engine bay. Hits the coil on the right, air/ac pump bracket on the left, a/c canister thingy in the front. I figured that before I get out the blowtorch I should ask for some advice. Probably something simple but evidently I'm having another senior moment... (I qualify for then now. Isn't that cool? Built-in excuse that no one ever argues about...)

Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated!

 

Will watch this one, I am in the same position, but only down to the bolts before hurting my back! Put project on hold until i feel better, leaning over engine at 6' 5" is not going to work for my back right now.

 

Recently did mine on a 96'. Getting the bolts out was the big thing. A little tap (little.. is the operative word) and it came out....tilted it up and out.

Didn't remove the T/B or much anything else.

This may help:http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...-pictures.html

 

I did mine on a 95 and I don't remember anything special about getting the pump out, I know I had the belt off and the idler pulley and the PS pulley, but I think those were more for the opti and wires.

 

Evidently standing over the engine compartment at 5'9" doesn't help either...

Tilting up doesn't work for me. I did get a TB gasket so that may have to come out. I'm going to run out and take some pics. BTW, I used the article in your link as my guide. Great article - just didn't work for me...

 

Probably more of a "my luck" thing...

 

Here is the pump sitting nice and loose:


Here it is hitting the coil:


Here it is hitting the a/c canister thingy:


Here it is hitting the alternator/air pump bracket:


Here is an overall view with the three points that are hitting:


I'm sure I'm just missing something - just need a boost...

 

I just remembered that the previous owner wrecked the car twice. I wonder if the radiator is a bit further back then it should be? Would that make sense?

 

Here is some info that may help.

A few weeks ago I changed the WP on my 96 Vette. The pump came out with just some twisting and turning until I hit on the right angle for it to be removed. I didn't have to remove anything else to remove it - Not the coil, TB, etc. The new WP went on the same way, using the same angle.

TIPS: My new pump would not fit over the alignment pins in the block. I first used sand paper to remove all the rust from the pins, but that still didn't give me the clearance I needed. I then used a drill bit and opened the two holes on the WP JUST A TINY amount. AND I MEAN A TINY AMOUNT That, and lightly oiling the pins gave me the clearance I needed.

I didn't chance using the WP bolts to press the pump onto the block, concerned able cracking the aluminum WP

I used a thin layer of silicone sealant on both sides of the gaskets and placed the gasket against the block instead of the WP. This prevented the gaskets from being jacked-up while twisting and turning the WP to install it.

Once the WP was FLUSH WITH THE BLOCK I coated the WP bolt threads with Anti-Seize then cross tightened them to 35#.

Hope this helps.

Jake

My son, Ryan M. Cameron, graduated from West Point on 22 May 2010! He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and I pinned on his first pair of "Butter Bars" PROUDEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!

 

Thanks Jake. I'll keep trying.

Congrats to your son!

 

Thanks for that; I'll pass it along to Ryan.

Removing.re-installing the pump is a tight fit but you'll get it.

Jake

My son, Ryan M. Cameron, graduated from West Point on 22 May 2010! He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and I pinned on his first pair of "Butter Bars" PROUDEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!

 

Turn it... It will slide out... I think if you tilt the driver side of the pump DOWN toward the ground it will slide out... If anything... Remove the coil. Its only held in by 2 bolts I believe... Here was mine out and it looks like I didnt have to removed the coil... !

 

After looking at your pics I remember that I did have my coil removed, but I don't really think it would have interfered with the WP removal. If I recall correctly It has a splined shaft which slides into a collar. Is that collar coming off with the pump? I had mine off when I replaced my opti. You could try loosening/removing the power steering pump, I think I had to do that to get to one of the water pump bolts. It has been a while since I did it. If you lived close to me I would come help. Good luck getting it off. If I happen to remember something I did special or different I will let you know.

 

Got a little further today! had a little trouble getting to last bottom bolt on drivers side. the belt tension pully was in the way, so back to this site for more info. simple hook up of ratchet and the belt slipped off and the pully dropped out of the way. No anti-freeze until i took out the last bolt, and it ran out preety good away from opti. I did try to suck all fluid out before removal with wet dry vac, but there was still some coming from the block. After a few taps from the rubber hammer pump came loose with no problems. the pump also came out of engine compartment with no problems (sorry). looks like it was leaking from gear seal in back, thats why it stopped from leaking when it was hot? it was running past weep hole and dripping down in front of opti when car was off and cooled down. No sign of water near or on opti! with only 46k on the car and money tight i will keep the opti for a while.

 

I ended up taking the TB off to get the pump back in and it practically fell in... Oh well! Thanks for all the replies.

 

I somehow missed this post! Thanks for the offer!