1989 GA water pump

1989 Grand AM 2.5 "U" engine

Need to replace water pump.

What is easiest way to get to bottom bolts ?

Pulley appears to be pressed on and no room for puller
while pump is in car.

Does anyone have the size and thread specs of the bolts so
I can get new ones before I start ??? :)

Thanks !!!

McVoyager

Do you like bad news or good news first? Replaced one on my 88 GA years ago and it was quite a bit of work for a $15 pump. A puller would not fit between body and pump. Had to use a pry bar to get pulley off. Took forever but it worked for me. Once pulley is off top bolts on pump are no problem but bottom bolts are hidden,should be 6 total if I remember right. Use a box wrench or better yet a ratcheting wrench.It will take a lot of time but it is possible. The good news? Replacement pump has a bolt on pulley and once you get the pump bolts in you will be done in 10 minutes.

Thanks !
I was told I might be able to raise engine slightly by loosening motor supports, then use small puller. (J-29785-A ?)

If I get all bolts out, I assume old unit will come out with pulley
still attached ?

~McVoyager

Thanks !
I was told I might be able to raise engine slightly by loosening motor supports, then use small puller. (J-29785-A ?)

If I get all bolts out, I assume old unit will come out with pulley
still attached ?

~McVoyager

Yes, pump will come out with pulley attached but getting to the pump bolts will be very difficult. I was not able to do it but maybe you will.
Good luck, patience is your best friend for this job.

I haven't started on this yet (I ordered the wrong replacement pump).

I was wondering - the pump adapter (with hose inlet) that goes between
this pump and the block - could I not take it off (4 bolts) and have the
pump and pulley come with it ???

~Mac

This is an old car and those bolts in the block may snap off leaving you with more problems. I would not do it. The pulley can be pried off with a pry bar, length of pipe,etc. Just take your time and and keep rotating the pulley as you pry. The more difficult part of the job will be getting the bottom bolts. Look at the replacement pump for the location of the hidden bolts,this will help you out.

Thanks. I am going to heed your advice. Nowhere have I see instructions on doing it by removing the pump to block adapter. Also, I could not find that adapter listed anywhere as a replacement part (just in case).

One more question - as you know, the existing pump pulley's center comes
fairly close to the frame (within 1.5 - 2"). Do the replacement pump's bolts
clear that space okay if I use that type ???

current pump type:
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=WP&PartNumber=58441&Description=Water+Pump+-+Remfd

bolt pump type:
http://www.napaonline.com/MasterPages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=TFW&PartNumber=42096&Description=Water+Pump+-+New

Thanks for your help :)

~Mac

Wow, saw the price you have to pay for that pump! I swear I paid less than $20 gasket included for mine. But it was a while back. Anyway,I had no problem with the bolt on pulley and distance to the frame. You should be O. K. Now, time for you to get your hands dirty and me off to work.