1996 Olds Aurora w 4.0L Engine

[knucky0423]

My beloved '96 Olds - the 1st "white diamond" ordered in July 1995 - has 122K miles. Vehicle has been overheating recently. A few days ago, it was real hot!. Have traced problem to a shredded water pump belt. Purchased a general GM repair manual for assitance. NO HELP! Noticed that some of the references to the 4.0L engine are bogus photos. Nothing my setup.

Have removed such items as a tension pulley in front and slighly above of the cam shaft pulley... and upper radiator hose and thermostat. Tested it - it functions properly. Can easly maneuver the pulley at the rear of the water pump... with ease!

At this point, I assume that the only way to put the new belt over the three pulleys is for the water pump to be removed. HOW in this world does one do that?

A year ago I replaced my A/C clutch and other related items to an A/C repair job, including a new serpentine belt. And I thought that was tough!

Any words of wisdom will surely be appreciated!

[aurora9898]

this is a northstar waterpump wrench,you can buy one for 110 bucks, this is the only way to get the water pump off from what I hear. I think you can also rent one from certain auto parts stores. good luck

[ghutchin]

Its a tensioner pulley. It is spring loaded. All up need to do is use a ratchet and rotate the tensioner into a position where you can put the belt on. It is just like any other serpentine belt system.

With the northstar waterpump tensioner you can almost do the whole process with your hands