C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Water Pump Change?

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Old Aug 16, 2015 | 08:16 PM
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Default Water Pump Change?

Any advice? Looks like a seepage on the front face plate of the water pump on a 1994 LT1 I know that the last time it went out was 2006 at 70k miles along with the opti. The vette has 97k miles now.

I have tried to attach pics any comments help tips would be appreciated.

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Monk
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Old Aug 16, 2015 | 08:35 PM
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Pull the knock sensors to drain and get a proper flush, new shaft seal and sealant on the bolts.
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Old Aug 16, 2015 | 09:04 PM
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And new water pump right? Thanks for the advice. I had to look up the water pump drive seal. If you had not said anything I probably would have just ordered a water pump hoses, cap and drive belt and be done with it. Now I will order the water pump drive seal also.

Thanks again!

Monk
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Old Aug 16, 2015 | 09:16 PM
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27K miles on the car since the last water pump? Well if the cover is the only leak and you would need to check closely, the car runs well I would consider just the cover gasket and move on. It would create maybe a worse situation than you have. If there's more evidence of a serious leak then react differently but you mentioned the miles and if 27K is correct it might be considered foolish.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 16, 2015 at 09:45 PM.
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Old Aug 16, 2015 | 09:29 PM
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WVZR-1 makes a good point but it is your call. Do not get the opti wet. When you pull the knock sensors you have to put the right dope on them and the right tourqe. I just put new ones in they come with the right dope and could not bring myself to put 20 year old parts back.
And a bunch of crap was in there had to run a wire in one side to break it up.


While your under there o2's might be a good idea mine ran much better!

Last edited by antfarmer2; Aug 16, 2015 at 09:33 PM.
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 12:34 AM
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If the water pump is not leaking through the weep hole on the bottom, then you can get just the water pump o-ring seal directly from GM. It's part no. GM 10128329. Probably about $6 from the dealer and less online but you'll have to pay shipping. A lot cheaper than changing out the water pump completely.

You can probably carefully drain the coolant by draining the radiator, putting plastic sheeting over the opti to shield it and slowly removing the water pump cover plate. Then install the new o-ring and, if you want to, put a small ring of sealant around the perimeter of the cover plate with either Permatex 22071 RTV or Aviation Form-a-Gasket No. 3.

If you decide to drain the block by removing the knock sensors, do not put any sealant on them when you reinstall them. States that specifically in the service manual. And use a torque wrench to install them at 14 ft. lbs. and no more.

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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 10:03 AM
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Thanks Silver96ce I am going to stop by the parts store and pick up the gasket and rtv. I am also going to do a flush and hopefully they have a pressure tester for the cooling system to check for leaks. I wonder why this one is leaking at the front. I tried to google search similar leaking at the front cover and could not find any.

Monk
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 02:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Indio Monk
Thanks Silver96ce I am going to stop by the parts store and pick up the gasket and rtv. I am also going to do a flush and hopefully they have a pressure tester for the cooling system to check for leaks. I wonder why this one is leaking at the front. I tried to google search similar leaking at the front cover and could not find any.

Monk
I believe I'd concern myself with only the leak for the time being. Correct that, fill and bleed the cooling system then after you've got some miles on the repair and can confirm it, do the cooling system service. Do it now and the pump fails soon, the majority of the effort is wasted.

What is the condition of the coolant presently? The visual appearance of the water pump cover leak can't be used to evaluate. It could be interesting what you find. You'll have the opportunity to visually check the impeller.

Last edited by WVZR-1; Aug 17, 2015 at 02:04 PM.
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 02:20 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
I believe I'd concern myself with only the leak for the time being. Correct that, fill and bleed the cooling system then after you've got some miles on the repair and can confirm it, do the cooling system service. Do it now and the pump fails soon, the majority of the effort is wasted.

What is the condition of the coolant presently? The visual appearance of the water pump cover leak can't be used to evaluate. It could be interesting what you find. You'll have the opportunity to visually check the impeller.
Thanks WVZR-1 the coolant looks like it has not been changed in a while. It is still green but there is some brown residue that seems to gather at the top of the radiator tank where the radiator cap rubber is. I tried wiping it off and then the sludge comes back. I am pretty sure it is due for a flush. I think changing the front gasket then flushing the radiator and driving it a few hundred miles and then re-evaluate what needs to be done is the route I will go I might as well change the belt also. I looks like it was last done in 2006 when the vette had 77k miles and it now has 97k miles
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 02:25 PM
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Pull the knock sensors and flush or your just pissing in the wind!!!!!!

And do this first so you keep your opti dry!!!!

Just pinch the connectors with your fingers to remove.

Last edited by antfarmer2; Aug 17, 2015 at 02:36 PM.
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 02:30 PM
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You might want to prepare yourself for a bit of an adventure. The adventure could be removing the bolts that hold the cover. I'd make sure I used only 6-point box wrenches and maybe do a little "lefty/righty" rather than just a "strong arm" attempt to remove. The bolts appear fine but the 6-point assures that they remain that way.
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 05:34 PM
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[QUOTE=WVZR-1;1590287930]You might want to prepare yourself for a bit of an adventure. The adventure could be removing the bolts that hold the cover. I'd make sure I used only 6-point box wrenches and maybe do a little "lefty/righty" rather than just a "strong arm" attempt to remove. The bolts appear fine but the 6-point assures that they remain that way.[/QUOTE
I agree it needs to be done right.

I have not finalized the deal to buy the car and I asked the owner if he could call the shop that did the water pump in 2006 along with opti and other items. The water pump was listed as Limited Lifetime warranty My concern is it might not be valid if not properly maintained i.e. changing coolant. I am hoping the shop will fix it under warranty.

I have attached the original work order. This was $$$ 2,215.00

MOnk
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 05:41 PM
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I would not hold my breath on that one
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Old Aug 17, 2015 | 09:26 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
I would not hold my breath on that one
I hear you. Quick update I stopped by the parts store and rented the pressure tester. The results were not good. I have attached pics.


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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 06:55 PM
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Seller is a stand up guy. I just talked with him on the phone and sent him the same pictures above. He is going to talk with the Shop to see if there is a remote chance of a warranty on the pump. We both think that it is REMOTE but want to try anyways. I think the Limited Warranty will be voided due to non maintenance on the cooling system since 77k miles in 2006.
He did ask me to find a Vette shop or someone that works on Vettes to provide an estimate on how much to fix this problem since I think it may have impacted the OptiSpark also. I felt a hesitation driving it going accelerating out of a turn going 20 mph. I think it might have been the ASR but unsure. I guess I should pull the codes.

If anyone has a recommended shop that works on Vettes in DFW area near West Plano please let me know. THanks in Advance.
Monk
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 07:58 PM
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I would say the traction kicked a bit on the turn. Get him to come down a bit and do it yourself. If your going to own it best to know how to work on it.

Your going to fall over when you hear the price.

Last edited by antfarmer2; Aug 18, 2015 at 08:00 PM.
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 08:44 PM
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I have a water pump off my 94 it was still good but had to take it off for the opti. Could not bring myself to put it back on. If you want it I will be in Plano Thursday to see my Grandbaby.

Last edited by antfarmer2; Aug 18, 2015 at 08:51 PM.
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 10:21 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
I have a water pump off my 94 it was still good but had to take it off for the opti. Could not bring myself to put it back on. If you want it I will be in Plano Thursday to see my Grandbaby.
Antfarmer, sent you a PM .

Thanks,
Monk
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 10:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Indio Monk
Antfarmer, sent you a PM .

Thanks,
Monk
No pm yet glade to see the pony express is still alive and well in Texas
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Old Aug 18, 2015 | 10:47 PM
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Originally Posted by antfarmer2
No pm yet glade to see the pony express is still alive and well in Texas
Ha! I thought it was me but I just sent you another PM and it does not look like it went through. A used water pump would be better than just changing out the front gasket. If you are in the area and it is no trouble I could buy this pump from you.

I live right off the 121 Tollway and Spring Creek (right next to the Nebraska Furniture Mart).
If we could meet up and you remember to pack the pump that would be great if not .. Thanks for all your help on this forum! It is much appreciated.

Zach Vergara
aka Monk
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