Tip for water pump installation.

[bobss396]

I replaced the water pump on my '84 Caprice the other day, it has the 305 engine. The basic installation process and pump design is the same as any V8 or even the Chevy V6.

It was cold out and I had the car partially under cover (garage is jammed with all sorts of things) and it was snowing lightly off and on. I was cold by then and wanted to get the job done with. I had a problem with lining up the pump and had problems losing the gaskets (even though they were glued to the pump) and getting the two upper bolts started.

I took a couple of 3/8-16 bolts, cut the heads off them and cut a slot in the end for a screwdriver. The bolts I had around were hardened and I had to use a milling machine, but get something in the cheap mild steel range. Home Depot is good for these, even threaded rod works. I made them so they would go into the block a 1/4" and have about a 1/4" sticking out.

Just screw them into the top 2 bolt holes and slide the pump & gaskets on. Get the 2 bottom bolts started, crank them in so the pump is in place. Take out the 2 top alignment pins and replace with the bolts and secure the pump.

Of course I left out a lot of little things particular to the pump installation, but you get the idea and hopefully some of you will someday give it a try. I am the resident expert at installing water pumps on a 30 degree day!

Bob

[TommySS]

Never thought of that, but will give it a shot on the next pump change.