Oil Pump?

Today I started the process of my timing set replacement, and ran into a realisation last night. It seems that one of the pumps (I think it's the oil pump, but I have no idea really) is bolted onto the body of the water pump, which is what needs to be removed in order to access the timing cover.

Does anyone know the removal process for this? I'd like to get everything removed this weekend so I can buy the parts on Monday, otherwise I'd go to the library. Thanks!

Well I doubt it's the oil pump because the oil pump is located inside the lowest part of your oil pan bolted to the engine block, right in line with the distributor. Many belt driven accessories are often bolted to the water pump such as the power steering fluid pump, sometimes altenator, and even A/C compressors, but it all depends on your configuration. In a 1980 Caprice odds are the pump you speak of is the power steering pump. If thats the case, there will be the "hinge" bolt on the water pump, another bolt on a bracket towards the exhaust manifold, another on a slider down towards the bottom of the engine and in many cars one on the tank of the pump in the back of it near where the hoses attach. You don't even have to undo the hoses, just move the thing out of the way and bolt it back on when you're done. Use the slider bolts to tighten the belt and once thats set, drive all of the bolts home.

It's probably the smog pump. The oil pump bolts to the rear main bearing cap inside the engine, and extends down into the oil pan (as Pete said).

It's probably the smog pump. The oil pump bolts to the rear main bearing cap inside the engine, and extends down into the oil pan (as Pete said).

yeah my bet is the smog pump. i went through the same thing when i replaced the water pump on my 88... everything is bolted to that damn water pump

Ok, thanks :). I feel so stupid now, but that's why we ask questions, right?

Thanks for the removal info. I'm planning on getting a remanufactured water pump, given that all the removal labor will already be done. Would that be worth it, or should I invest in a brand new one? Also, whereabouts is the PCV valve located, and how do I go about replacing that?

Thanks again!

EDIT: Searched a bit, that's a great pic you've got for the valve, silicon ;). Thanks! http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=683309&highlight=pcv+valve

if your gonna do it, do it right. new parts if you can swing it. reman if you cant.

Yeah, remanufactured parts aren't bad at all, but new is probably better.

Presuming that this is all in reference to an '80 Caprice, the answer will depend upon which engine was installed. It could the the typical 267, 305, or 350 SBC, or it could be an Olds 350 diesel, possibly a Buick 231 V6, or it might even be a Chevrolet 229 V6. The Buick does have the oil pump at the front of the engine, in the timing cover right behind the balancer. The Olds has its oil pump at the front, but it is shaft driven, similar to the Chevys. The accessory layout would vary, depending upon which engine was installed. In any case, the pump to which you are referring might be an air injection (smog) pump, or a power steering pump, or a vacuum pump (diesel).

As for the water pumps, a remanufactured pump is just as good as a new pump, IF the impeller is intact. I've received some reman pumps with eroded impellers, and they would barely move coolant. With a Buick or Olds pump, the impellers are plainly visible on the rear of the pump. With the SBC, you only need to remove six cap screws and the cover from the rear of the pump to inspect the impeller. The other consideration is that some pumps are designated "Heavy Duty" and some are "standard." This can mean that the vanes on the impellers are designed smaller than the heavy duty pumps, so coolant flow in some engines could again be an issue.

I believe it's a 305 SBC, it's a 305 4BBL. The power steering pump is on the other side of the engine I believe (going by the PS fluid reservoir).

Looks like I'll be removing the pully from the air pump, as one of the bolts is half hidden by it. Thanks for the advice on checking a reman, I'll be sure to do that :).

For the belts, should I go with a name brand like Dayco, or would a NAPA work too? The V-belts were replaced at one time, and are all NAPA.

In terms of belts, I'd recommend against Top Cog brand V-Belts. I haven't had a failure yet, but I did notice premature cracking and chipping of the rubber even with the belts tightened properly per a Hanes manual. I would assume (we all know where that leads) that Napa has good belts just because they are a big time A/C delco parts dealer.

Ok, update. It turns out the waterpump was on its last gasps of air. Would a Cardone reman be sufficient for it, or should I get something a bit better?

Cardone is a quality rebuilder, I've never had a problem with them. Also price out new pumps, the price difference might be slightly higher. I just picked up a new Prestone water pump the other day for $32 for my '84 Caprice.

Bob