Not sure if this is the right place to post this, but I'm going to change out a bad water pump tomorrow and I just need to know the details on what is absolutely needed, recommended and what you don't have to do. I searched the forums and couldn't find anything specific to what I want to know, so I'm wondering do you have to drain out all the coolant first from the drain plug or can you change it without doing that? Do you have to use rtv on the gaskets, if so do you apply it to both sides? Also should I apply it to the bolts as I put them back on? I Read on the back of the rtv package it says let dry for an hour after hand tightening then torque , do is i necessarily have to wait that hour or can I simply apply it and tighten the bolt all the way then move to the next? And is there anything I need to remove besides the belt? Any other pullys or is it as simple as taking off the old pump and bolting the new one back on?

Thanks in advance.



1992 camaro rs 5.0

 

This may not be the official correct way, but this is how I've done it and mine never leaked.

Since I'm lazy I just remove the water pump with a drain pan under to catch coolant. Draining the system isn't necessary.

I've never used rtv on the gaskets, I did use some for the bolts I believe. And from what I know that hour is just for usage. Because I have slapped those bolts on immediately after applying it and no leaks/problems.

Its just tricky getting to the bolts sometimes, however, each car has its own challenges so take your time.

Slap the new one on, burp it and you're good to go

 

Since you're that far, I would change the hoses, and thermostat. Then refill with coolant. JMO.

 

By The Book

 

Thanks for the replies, just two more things, I didn't see what specifications to torque the water pumps bolts to does anyone know? And burping / bleeding the system is the process of letting the car run with the radiator cap off, how do I know when it's gotten all the air out?

 

Once you fill it and burp it, replace cap and fill your reservoir up to the hot line. When it starts cooling off, it will draw coolant from tank. Then refill the tank reservoir after all is cool.

Water Pump Bolts 3/8"-16 max 30 ft. lbs. min 20 ft. lbs.

 

Small block Chevy Torque Specifications.html

 

Thanks for all the help, got it knocked out.

Side note, does anyone know where the radiator fan switch is, I checked the passenger side of the block between plugs 6 and 8 and its not there, are there any other locations it would be? I might also just create a whole new thread asking this.

 

TBI Camaros have the easiest wp to replace.

 

Yep tbi water pumps are a breeze but the tpi cars can be a pain in the ***. When I replaced mine I kept seeing coolant under my car. I had that water pump off and on four or five times before I finally realized that U shaped hose going from the throttle body to the manifold had a crack in it (hose was only 6 months old). Thank god for coolant pressure testers