Remove water pump to replace ac compressor?
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Port Charlotte FL
Remove water pump to replace ac compressor?
Someone stated that the water pump would not need to be removed to install a new ac compressor, and was wondering if this is true. These guys are hitting me with a $2000+ bill for replacing the ac, waterpump, and oil pressure sensor! Does this sound high to you guys or what?
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I think the oil pressure sensor may be the part that gets labor intensive...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Milton, West Virginia
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I took the water pump off for my cam install, didn't have to touch a/c compressor other than to guide the belt back on, I can't see why it would have to come off for compressor replacement 
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: LOS ANGELES CA.
Yep
Originally Posted by ls1vette97
Someone stated that the water pump would not need to be removed to install a new ac compressor, and was wondering if this is true. These guys are hitting me with a $2000+ bill for replacing the ac, waterpump, and oil pressure sensor! Does this sound high to you guys or what?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: Lake Elsinore, CA
The manual's procedure states the water pump must come out to remove the A/C compressor - probably to create clearance to pull it out through the top. I have the procedure I can send you if you'd like to see what it takes.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
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AC Compressor Replacement
I replaced mine last summer, it took me all day. I got quotes from $1100 to $1400 and decided to get handy and learn something new. Total cost was about $700. I thought the job was moderately hard, and yes, you do have to remove the water pump. The hard part is scraping the old paper gasket off the water pump and the engine block. The next hardest thing was replacing the dryer - it is really tucked in tight behind the battery and into the fire wall. You need to get a GM dryer because an off market/OEM replacemtn will not fit - too tall.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Le Mans Master
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From: Slave to the evil empire
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Originally Posted by beearthwise
The hard part is scraping the old paper gasket off the water pump and the engine block.Good luck.
And
The only reason to remove the water pump is to give more clearance to pull the compressor out and make it easier to get the compressor belt on, I know for a fact the belt can be replaced with the water pump on but I'm not sure if theres enough clearance to get the compressor by the heater hose outlets.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2003
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From: cAshburn VA
I know 97s and 98s came with paper gaskets, maybe 99s. Which should be replaced with the newer metal/rubber ones.
I do not doubt the GM procedure calls for water pump removal. Which means all dealers and average shops will do it because it rakes in more money. Any good 'vette shop who knows the car should be able to do it without it and save you a few there.
An inexperienced or schiester mechanic will tell you if GM says it should be removed, there must be a reason.
A good mechanic who knows the car will not remove something that doesn't need to be removed. If it aint broke, don't fix it!
I do not doubt the GM procedure calls for water pump removal. Which means all dealers and average shops will do it because it rakes in more money. Any good 'vette shop who knows the car should be able to do it without it and save you a few there.
An inexperienced or schiester mechanic will tell you if GM says it should be removed, there must be a reason.
A good mechanic who knows the car will not remove something that doesn't need to be removed. If it aint broke, don't fix it!
Originally Posted by runamuk
The water pump doesn't have paper gaskets??? so I don't know what vehicle you removed the water pump on.
And
The only reason to remove the water pump is to give more clearance to pull the compressor out and make it easier to get the compressor belt on, I know for a fact the belt can be replaced with the water pump on but I'm not sure if theres enough clearance to get the compressor by the heater hose outlets.
And
The only reason to remove the water pump is to give more clearance to pull the compressor out and make it easier to get the compressor belt on, I know for a fact the belt can be replaced with the water pump on but I'm not sure if theres enough clearance to get the compressor by the heater hose outlets.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Slave to the evil empire
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St. Jude Donor '04
Originally Posted by IFLUBYU
I know 97s and 98s came with paper gaskets, maybe 99s. Which should be replaced with the newer metal/rubber ones.
