Water Pump ???

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Nov 1, 2004 | 10:58 PM

LTs LT1

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From: Fremont CA

Water Pump ???

When it rains it poars! Tires are no longer my biggest problem right now.... My 96 LT1 seemed to momentarily lack power steering this morning, and when I looked under the hood I found what appeared to be leak of sorts, splattered on the underside of the hood above the fan belt. however the splattering does not appear to have anything to do with the power steering pump or hoses, and both the leak and the steering problem are now gone. Fluid was also on the belt (which probably accounted for the momentary steering issue)

I have traced some of the spillage under the water pump, and the fluid appeares consistant to the coolant. None of the oses appear to be damaged so a fear my water pump my be going south. Does this sound familiar to anyone? any other sugestions?

Nov 1, 2004 | 11:48 PM

Perfusion

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From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTs LT1

Sounds *exactly* like a failing WP. Hot coolant is leaking out of the weep hole on the underside of your pump onto the serp belt causing it to slip. That's why you felt the momentary "blip" in the power steering. The horizontal line across the underside of the hood is also a dead ringer for a WP failing. You need to get this fixed YESTERDAY. The WP sits directly above the Optispark, and if it goes, say bye-bye to the Opti as well (a $500 part, mind you). You may be able to get away with a WP replacement alone (I did), but a lot of people seem to just go ahead and do the opti "while they're in there."

The best place to buy a new WP is not your dealer, and it's not NAPA. Some people will certainly chime in and suggest going with a Mezeire electric WP, but that may not be for you - it's more of a "custom" deal that I didn't want to deal with. I like mods, but some things I just want to keep OEM for the ease of repair/replacement down the road. If you are one of those people, call Chris May at Superior Chevrolet in Merriam, Kansas. Their number is (800)728-8267. Tell him you are a CF member. List price for a WP kit is $279.43 - I got mine for $153.

Done deal...

Nov 2, 2004 | 01:16 AM

SLOWRIDE

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From: Orange TX

Nov 2, 2004 | 03:32 AM

LTs LT1

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From: Fremont CA

Thank you VERY much. I'll Order the pump in the morning.

Nov 2, 2004 | 09:22 AM

mitchcole

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From: Tracy CA

I went with the electric water pump. It is FAR more challenging to install than the stock one. To do it right - you need to get the timing cover off - which means pulling off the pan.

I had oil leaks anyway - so it wasn't a big deal. Just keep your old pump - you might want to do the conversion some day.

About the opti - you have the very best one made from the factory - there's a good chance that you're OK.

Good luck.

Nov 2, 2004 | 09:23 AM

Nathan Plemons

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The electric water pump is a good mod but I wouldn't suggest it on a completely stock application, you're just asking for a messy oil leak unless you do some other stuff to go with it. Certainly get the WP replaced before it takes the opti with it.

Nov 5, 2004 | 12:57 AM

LTs LT1

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From: Fremont CA

I ordered the Pump from GMPartsDirect. $172.34 (total) w/shipping... Not bad at all! Can't wait to get to work on it and then out for a test drive... Fortunately it's been raining pretty good out here, so I have not lost any good driving weather.