special tools for the northstar 4.0L

I run onto this..

http://toolcraze.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=T&Product_Code=S6CNOAWPRIS&Category_Code=spec


Edit: I wont be buying any special tools unless I have to.. Most parts stores rent them or just charge a deposit for them..

You do need that for water pump replacement. However, Lisle Tool Co. sells the same thing for $24.95 through special order at any Pep Boys store.

115.95 for that ! there nuts I got mine from Snap-On for about 45.00.

I am a new member on this forum and have already found your information useful - THANKS

But, I am wondering about the quality of these various manufacturer's

The Lisle seems to be the weakest tool of the bunch, will it really do the job? Or, do you just get what you pay for?

I would never question snap-on quality but had to e-mail snap-on to request more info since it's not possible to find though their on-line store without the P/N S6192A and now goes for $74.45 which still seems a little high

I wouldn't even consider ToolCraze at that price!!

But I have also found it through JC-Whitney SKU 49ZX0424N $39.99 and at least it looks like a forged tool as opposed to the Lisle

?? Anybody have any actual experience with any of these ??

Also Snap-on lists a stabilizing strap P/N S6192A-1 for another $20.80 - Anybody recommend this/is it necessary?

How many waterpumps do you plan on changing? While I have never bought this particular tool, I have never had a Lisle piece fail on me. Quality steel, and made here. Their specialty products are a very good value. Most of my stuff is Snap-On, with a few Craftsman mixed in.

I'm not a pro mechanic - just a mechanically inclined owner who doesn't like wasting money through dealer repair centers, or on buying crappy tools. I need this soon to do my 97 Aurora, but I am also leaning towards a future purchase of a Caddie - so I'll need it to last.

And on a different but related issue, maybe you can answer this.

The factory manual diagram shows an "o-ring" for the pump, but doesn't list replacing it in the procedure. Which I would think would be common sense. Does the pump come with an o-ring and does it require a special tool for installation?

Also - it doesn't show in the diagram - or mention in the procedure a "gasket" for the pump cover . Online stores list the pump as being sold with a "gasket" Is there a separate gasket for the cover or is the online reference of a gasket actually referring to the o-ring?

I've never done mine, but most aluminum to aluminum applications only require an o-ring that sits in a machined groove and no sealant.

I bought and used the Lisle tool. It is just stamped. The female socket end distorted the metal slightly trying to break the pump loose where it is welded to the body. I ended up warming the pump but I don't remember if I used a propane torch or boiling water anymore to loosen and rotate it loose. Yes it is an o-ring set into the block that seals the pump to the block.

By the way turn the pump CLOCKWISE to unclock the pump from the block.

So is the tool good for another job later, or would you recomend paying double for a better one?

The distortion didn't make the tool unusable but if anyone has a pump that's been on there for a while (mine had 130,00 miles on it but only four years) I'd spring for a heavier duty socket.

how much pressure do you apply to this silly thing,I just bought one of these sockets for 27.oo dollars at brady`s discount tools & so far I caint Git It Off

Use a propane torch.

ok,hers the scoop.heat it up about 15 min.with a propane torch,make sure your socket is flush & seated,use a short cheater bar & start rocking pressure into it clockwise untill it pops.it took a lot of pressure,i thought i was going to break the socket first,but its a done deal.lots of luck,,,,,,,coololman

Thanks,,,,,,indy 8