Additional things during H20 pump replacement?

[RnR]

The water pump on my '99 Grand Prix will be replaced shortly. Is there anything else that "should" be replaced during this work activity? Admittedly, the accessory belt looks like it's a definite candidate.

I am open to any and all suggestions (including a recommended pump manufacturer).

Thanks!

 

[GMBoy]

Yes - it would be a great time to change the thermostat. Also check the condition of the hoses. They may be ok now, but they are 8 yrs old and it's a little easier to change them now than later when it may be less convenient (i.e busted hose on the road). This along with the serp belt and you'll be good to go.

 

[GMBoy]

Also - I am assuming that you are doing a coolant flush too because that Dexcool is no doubt due for a change.

 

[Schmoe]

If your doing it yourself, make sure you got a good flat edged razor. Some of that gasket material/sealer from the factory will be left on the block. If you don't get it all, I mean ALL, of it off and smooth, it will start leaking and then your back to square one.

 

[RnR]

Hoses thus far look good, but the precaution is noted. Also, I am doing the RMI-25 thing (about 800 mi. so far) and will have the radiator shop do a flush of the current mix). Will be going with SuperTech at 50/50 along with a thermostat and gasket.

I have heard mention made of "pulleys" - must they be replaced with the belt??

 

[deepsquat]

I don't know the engine at all..but if it has a timing belt, and it is right there..might want to do it .. just the opposite of a older ( and newer) Accord..have to take the water pump off to replace the timing belt ..so replace the 36.00 water pump while you are there .

 

[1sttruck]

On an older vehicle if you start replacing parts of the cooling system, replace all of them; upper and lower radiator hoses, heater hoses, clamps, overflow tank hoses, thermostat, maybe water pump if mielage warrants it, and maybe overflow tank if it's cracking or leaking. Otherwise you might have to drain, replace, and refill the system three times like I did. It's easy to do the radiator cap at any time if you have one, so do that as needed. If the belt looks old replace it too.

I like to flush with 50/50 water/coolanat, and just buy twice as much.

 

[PF52]

Quote:

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I don't know the engine at all..but if it has a timing belt, and it is right there..might want to do it ..

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Grand Prix' has a chain.

 

[benjamming]

I would probably go with the AutoZone Duralast pump with lifetime warranty.

 

[MrCritical]

The only way I'd go Duralast would be if the lifetime warranty included the labor too.

Ck the serpentine belt tensioner.

 

[alanu]

Look for weeping coolant from the intake manifold gasket. Not really related to the waterpump but if your getting coolant loss you better look at everything while your at it.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'd apply PERMATEX 2B to both sides of the water pump gasket prior to installation; this will waterproof it. I'd also change the coolant elbows and their o-rings at this time.

 

[Shaman]

Are you N/A or S/C? There are upgraded pulleys available that are made out of metal, although I don't remember if they are for the SC belt or the serp belt. Be careful of the coolant elbow.

 

[Tosh]

Quote:

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I like to flush with 50/50 water/coolanat, and just buy twice as much.

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As long as you also make sure to pour it down a storm drain, then you're doing your full share in ruining the planet.

 

[brianl703]

Ethylene glycol is biodegradable.

 

[1sttruck]

"As long as you also make sure to pour it down a storm drain, then you're doing your full share in ruining the planet."

Our garbage pickup takes oil and coolant in 1 gal milk jugs. Since we have four vehicles, one a diesel, we go thru lots of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, tranny oil, gear oil, and power steering fluid. I just went thru 30 qts of Mercon V on two Taurii.

Flushing with the same coolant that you normally use allows the flush to take the brunt of any chemical reactions, allowing the coolant that remains to last as designed. Evidently a lot of people don't seem to know or care that coolant should be changed once in awhile, as two friends ended up with engines leaking coolant due to corroded freeze plugs. It seems to make sense to try to keep coolant inside the engine instead of dribbling it out over the road. In addition if I can get the vehicles to last I'm not wasting HUGE amounts material on new vehicles.