Water Pump...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Mission Texas
Water Pump...
Yesterday I spent 3 hrs. washing, waxing, and cleaning my Vette. It looks awesome. Anyhow I get up this morning to run errands and I could smell coolant. :( Looked around and there was some on the garage floor. Cracked the hood and poked around and it appears the leak is coming from the pump itself. Is it a bear to replace? Can I do it with some limited tools? What pump would you choose? If I have some one do it how much should I pay here in the DFW area? Thanks I would appreciate any input from you guys & gals ;)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Water Pump... (lgetz1)
no mention of mileage...
if you can DIY, do it. the labour will eat you alive.
under the assumption the waterpump is gone, you will want to consider replacing the optispark. it does not get along with coolant... whew... icky.
this is as much mileage based as time based... anything after 60k miles you are on borrowed time.
if you do end up DIY, expect 5 hours or so.
the later C4 corvettes had a vented optispark. now, you cannot use that opti without changing the entire front of the motor, but you can add the vent to the old style optispark. the vent is about 10.00 or so. you can also seal the cap to the body with some RTV... anything to keep moisture out!
contact Jeff Kopp - carfan18. he is THE parts dude at Superior Chevy in Kansas City. Jeff is da man!!!!! :cheers:
you can reach him at 1.800.728.8267... make sure you tell him you are a corvette forum member and that I sent you. he will give you killer prices!!!!!!!!
[Modified by bogus, 10:53 PM 11/7/2002]
if you can DIY, do it. the labour will eat you alive.
under the assumption the waterpump is gone, you will want to consider replacing the optispark. it does not get along with coolant... whew... icky.
this is as much mileage based as time based... anything after 60k miles you are on borrowed time.
if you do end up DIY, expect 5 hours or so.
the later C4 corvettes had a vented optispark. now, you cannot use that opti without changing the entire front of the motor, but you can add the vent to the old style optispark. the vent is about 10.00 or so. you can also seal the cap to the body with some RTV... anything to keep moisture out!
contact Jeff Kopp - carfan18. he is THE parts dude at Superior Chevy in Kansas City. Jeff is da man!!!!! :cheers:
you can reach him at 1.800.728.8267... make sure you tell him you are a corvette forum member and that I sent you. he will give you killer prices!!!!!!!!
[Modified by bogus, 10:53 PM 11/7/2002]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Water Pump... (lgetz1)
Pump and Opti are a DIY and save $$$$. Dealership will charge $900-1200.
First, check the weep hole on the pump. When your engine is cool enough to keep your hand on it, slide your hand under the pump. About 3" back the pump will narrow down a bit where the seal and bearings are. There is a hole right in the center of that area. If you bring your hand out and it has a bunch of green stuff on it. You'll know what to do.
I disagree with the 5hr time. You can do it in 5hrs if you have done it before. If this is the first time, plan on 2 6hr days. You'll spend a goodly amount of time figuring out how to get sockets on bolts and running back to the parts store for something you need/forgot.
I did a step-by-step instruction file for replacing the pump and opti for someone on the forum a while back. Let me know if you are interested in a copy.
First, check the weep hole on the pump. When your engine is cool enough to keep your hand on it, slide your hand under the pump. About 3" back the pump will narrow down a bit where the seal and bearings are. There is a hole right in the center of that area. If you bring your hand out and it has a bunch of green stuff on it. You'll know what to do.
I disagree with the 5hr time. You can do it in 5hrs if you have done it before. If this is the first time, plan on 2 6hr days. You'll spend a goodly amount of time figuring out how to get sockets on bolts and running back to the parts store for something you need/forgot.
I did a step-by-step instruction file for replacing the pump and opti for someone on the forum a while back. Let me know if you are interested in a copy.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 629
Likes: 0
From: Rutland Ma
Re: Water Pump... (John Row)
I did a step-by-step instruction file for replacing the pump and opti for someone on the forum a while back. Let me know if you are interested in a copy.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: Sheboygan WI
Re: Water Pump... (Chefskeez6)
Running at 53.000+ miles ( 95 ) . Would be great to have the info ready for when its time .
If i can run in the wake of Chefskeez please ;)
Would like to upgrade to a LT4 timing chain at the same time .( 60K would be about the usual mileage to change that too wouldn't it ?)
Since a vented Opti - does it last longer or good to change at same time with the waterpump ?
:seeya
nicklas@charter.net
If i can run in the wake of Chefskeez please ;)
Would like to upgrade to a LT4 timing chain at the same time .( 60K would be about the usual mileage to change that too wouldn't it ?)
Since a vented Opti - does it last longer or good to change at same time with the waterpump ?
:seeya
nicklas@charter.net
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Mission Texas
Re: Water Pump... (bogus)
The mileage is a shade over 104k :eek: However I purchased it 4.5 yrs. ago and do not know if the pump was ever replaced. Anyhow a co-worker looked at it (He's a DIY guy) and he doesn't believe its the pump. :confused: He stated that the pump would not leak it would simply go immediately. My observation was that the leak was coming from the front of engine near one of the pullies. Could some one possibly post a pic of engine so I could try to pinpoint the affected area. Thanks for the help :cheers:
[Modified by lgetz1, 4:20 AM 11/9/2002]
[Modified by lgetz1, 4:20 AM 11/9/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 0
From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: Water Pump... (lgetz1)
Your DIY buddy doesn't know vettes...The water pump will leak before it goes out. The weep hole on front of the water pump is just for that, to leak antifreeze when it starts going out. If your leak is coming from the area in front of the opti, or where the plug wires attach, then your waterpump is probably the culprit.
BTW what does a water pump and a opti cost for a 96 vette? Has anyone replaced these yet? Also whoever had the instructions about replacing the waterpump and opti, I would love a copy because mine is fixing to get replaced for the 2nd time. I am gonna do the work myself instead of pay a mechanic this time. It doesn't look that hard if you have the right tools.
Thanks in advance
BTW what does a water pump and a opti cost for a 96 vette? Has anyone replaced these yet? Also whoever had the instructions about replacing the waterpump and opti, I would love a copy because mine is fixing to get replaced for the 2nd time. I am gonna do the work myself instead of pay a mechanic this time. It doesn't look that hard if you have the right tools.
Thanks in advance
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Rancho Santa Margarita Ca
Re: Water Pump... (lgetz1)
honestly the WP is very easy. Get a Wobbly 14mm and a regular and a couple of extensions. I think it should be about a 30 minute job Depending on how glued the old gaskets are. It might pay to do the opti to but I hate replacing things that are not broken yet.
[Modified by keekster, 2:32 AM 11/11/2002]
[Modified by keekster, 2:32 AM 11/11/2002]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 0
From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: Water Pump... (keekster)
Thanks Keekster, I think I am fixing to change my water pump but my opti has about 65,000 on it. I am trying to decide whether to change it out too or just wait till I suspect it is starting to go. If it only takes about 30 minutes to an hour to do this then I just may change the water pump out alone... :smash: I need to find out how much it cost and where is the best place to buy a water pump now. I have been considering going electric and thats still an option...I just wish I had the confidence to change it out with as little problem as this web site shows. http://www.projecttransam.com/projects9.asp It really looks easy on this site :cool:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 0
From: Pineville, Louisiana
Re: Water Pump... (keekster)
CAll Jeff Kopp at Superior Chevrolet. he is by far the cheapest and best service you will ever receive.800-728-8267.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Water Pump... (CowboyNVette)
Electric WP is a good alternative. Cost is about $240-$250 including shipping, wiring, relay, fuse/holder, RTV.
Benefit is 8-10HP, 10 degree cooler running, purging air without running engine, if you install a fan switch you can cool the engine without running it (but watch out you don't drain the battery too far to start it... don't ask...:mad ).
Benefit is 8-10HP, 10 degree cooler running, purging air without running engine, if you install a fan switch you can cool the engine without running it (but watch out you don't drain the battery too far to start it... don't ask...:mad ).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 324
Likes: 0
From: Mission Texas
Re: Water Pump... (oldace84)
So what did you finally do????
Inquireing minds want to know.....at least me..
thanks
:cool:
Inquireing minds want to know.....at least me..
thanks
:cool:
