How do you change a water pump on a 1998 Oldsmobile cutlass 3.1 liter engine?

Answer 1

This is what I did on my 96 cutlass, I can't see it being much different on a 98. Your water pump it the pulley along the serpentine belt that has a smooth outside, since it runs on the top half of the belt. Loosen the four bolts that are on the outside of the pulley while the tension of the belt is on. Once the bolts have been loosened, take a 3/8 ratchet and locate the tensioning belt. There will be a square hole for the ratchet end to go into. In the loosen direction let out the tension and remove the belt from the water pump pulley. Remove the 4 bolts put to the side until install. There will be 5 or 6 bolt along side of the outside housing of the pump, remove those, you might have to tap on the side of it with a rubber hammer. You will loose fluid so have spill pan nearby. GM has changed the look of the water pump fins so don't be alarmed when the new one looks different than the new one. Clean off old gasket material, note that the gasket and the pump can only go on one way take care when orienting the new gasket. Install in reverse, put the belt back on and tighten the outside bolts after belt tension is on. Once you have started the car, remove the rad cap and add fluid. There should be a petcock on one of the hoses close by to remove air trapped in the system, let fluid run out. I hope this helps out a bit.