Water Pump Replacement

[jp_sdmf]

2004 Impala 3.4.
Noticed my water pump is leaking and I am looking to replace it myself. I've only replaced them on 80's model cars, nothing this new. Wondering how long it generally takes and how hard it is to swap them out, based on what I can see and my Haynes manual it looks simple. Is this the case? Also if you have any tips or tricks on making this an easy fix I would appreciate it.

[2005chevimpala]

Originally Posted by jp_sdmf

2004 Impala 3.4.
Noticed my water pump is leaking and I am looking to replace it myself. I've only replaced them on 80's model cars, nothing this new. Wondering how long it generally takes and how hard it is to swap them out, based on what I can see and my Haynes manual it looks simple. Is this the case? Also if you have any tips or tricks on making this an easy fix I would appreciate it.

Not much too changing these,maybe 1/2 hour or so,take off your belt,4 bolts off the pully then 5-6 bolts on the pump,then reverse with new pump.

[jp_sdmf]

thanks for the quick response, good to know its a simple task and Im not in for any surprises. Going to drain all the old fluid out, put in some fresh stuff, bought some Prestone Dex-cool approved any known issues or is it good?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jp_sdmf

thanks for the quick response, good to know its a simple task and Im not in for any surprises. Going to drain all the old fluid out, put in some fresh stuff, bought some Prestone Dex-cool approved any known issues or is it good?

this dexcool "approved" fluid with the GM dexcool..is dexcool however , there is the prestone compatible coolant which is green /yellow , should not be used unless you drain and flush out the complete system..

If you have had dexcool with the GM spec used pink colored fluid then, just return the other yellow green coolant if that is what you have , for the correct ..

you will need about 1.5 gallons if you just drain the radiator.. the total capacity of the coolant system is over 3.5qts..if you drain the block..
since the pump failed I would drain the entire system. flush out the heater core then use only distilled water and use 2.5 gallons of dexcool to about 1-2 gallons of distilled water.

[jp_sdmf]

thanks jcat.Appreciate it, also would I be causing any damage by just topping off the resevoir with the stuff I posted previous, just add enough (not much) to get me through till I change it and the pump?
I was planning on doing a full fluid swap, get rid of the old stuff, not sure when it was changed previous to my owning of the car. Any other suggestions on the changing of the pump/fluid?

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by jp_sdmf

thanks jcat.Appreciate it, also would I be causing any damage by just topping off the resevoir with the stuff I posted previous, just add enough (not much) to get me through till I change it and the pump?
I was planning on doing a full fluid swap, get rid of the old stuff, not sure when it was changed previous to my owning of the car. Any other suggestions on the changing of the pump/fluid?

I would not use the compatible with dexcool for any amount of time ..not so much damage , but can cause chemical reaction that may be creating a clogging condition..

the fluid that is in there is most likely the original...most owners never repalce the dexcool if there plan is to sell in 4-5years...same with most other maintenence...