Waterpump replacement
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Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 70
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From: West Virginia
Waterpump replacement
I have noticed orange fluid under the engine of my 2001 lsi vett. Looked up under and I am sure it is the waterpump. How big of a job is it to change myself. It appears that there is plenty of room to work in the engine compartment. I have changed waterpumps on other vehicles but not a corvette. Is there anything special I should know. Thanks Mark
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
The job is very simple. Its secured by four bolts. Hardest part is getting the gasket material off if your C5 is 97-98-99. They used an impregmented fiber gasket and man, it is tough to scrape off the block but it can be done. 
It just takes a bit longer. If you have a 2000+ that C5 used an O ring type gasket and removal is a SNAP!
Change your antifreeze and if the belts are old, get a new set of belts. Good time to install a colder thermostat.
BC
It just takes a bit longer. If you have a 2000+ that C5 used an O ring type gasket and removal is a SNAP!Change your antifreeze and if the belts are old, get a new set of belts. Good time to install a colder thermostat.
BC
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
The job is very simple. Its secured by four bolts. Hardest part is getting the gasket material off if your C5 is 97-98-99. They used an impregmented fiber gasket and man, it is tough to scrape off the block but it can be done. It just takes a bit longer. If you have a 2000+ that C5 used an O ring type gasket and removal is a SNAP!
Change your antifreeze and if the belts are old, get a new set of belts. Good time to install a colder thermostat.
BC
It just takes a bit longer. If you have a 2000+ that C5 used an O ring type gasket and removal is a SNAP!Change your antifreeze and if the belts are old, get a new set of belts. Good time to install a colder thermostat.
BC
All except the part about the gaskets. The newer style started in '99.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 626
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From: Fresno CA
Torque Specs.
I'm about to replace mine and was wondering about torque specs. on the bolts?
Also I've been reading about using the LS3 water pumps. Is there a large cost difference? Do they come with the T-satat housings?
Also I've been reading about using the LS3 water pumps. Is there a large cost difference? Do they come with the T-satat housings?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
As I remember there are six bolts on my 02. One thing I found that makes this job much easier is to make four studs onto which you can slide the pump (see photo). This does two things, first the gasket stays in place and second the pump is heavy and being held at a distance from the side so alignment along with gaskets makes it not fun. The studs take care of this issue. Once the pump is slide onto place, just remove the studs one at a time and replace with bolts. Then torque in two sequences. First round is 11 lb-ft (132 lb-in) and second rounds is 22 lb-ft. I usually snug by hand first then go to the first number.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Yep,,,there are SIX bolts. Its been a while.. Your picture gives a very good example of the newer style O ring style gasket. Even if you have the old style earlt gasket, the newer gasket is perfered and works better.
BC
Even if you have the old style earlt gasket, the newer gasket is perfered and works better.BC
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
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From: At the beach in little Rhody
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