'97 GP 3.8L Removing water pump??

[yooper1019]

Trying to remove the water pump and the only bolt I can't get out is a large one closest to the firewall and it's right behind the P/S pump. Not enough room to get it out. Does anybody have a solution to this? Besides removing P/S pump. Please help!

[Ripn12s]

Cant remember exactly what bolt you r trying to get out. But if you cant get it because of the firewall then just unbolt the front engine mounts and rock the motor forward.

[yooper1019]

the p/s pump pully is what's in the way. the bolt is too long.

[Ripn12s]

All the GM manual for my 98 says:

1. Remove the water pump pulley bolts.
2. Remove the water pump pulley
3. Remove power stearing pump mounting bolts adn repostition.
4. Remove bolts from water pump
5. Remove water pump

[kilroypr]

That is the one, the one after the P/S pulley. You have to reposition the P/S pump to get it out. There is no other feasable way(at least mounted on the engine to get that long screw out)

[mrekab]

I replaced mine last year. I ended up removing the mounting bolts from the power steering pump, but leaving the hoses attached and suspending it. That gave me enough play to get the water pump bolts out without having to completely remove the power steering pump. It was very tedious, not much room between the wheel well and the pulleys. I did it all in an Autozone parking lot with loan-a-tools. So, its able to be done without tilting the engine.

[kilroypr]

mrekab: You are correct, you can do it without tilting the engine, but if you could tilt it you would see that there is a lot more room to work.
I did not know that AutoZone would lend tools. If that is the case and if it ever happens again ask them for the engine puller and you will notice the difference.