Removal and installation of water pump on 2000 Pontiac grand am 2.4 liter?

Answer 1

Removal and intallation of a external leaky water pump on the 2000 Pontiac Grand Am 2.4 liter engine is an expensive replacement and I can tell you how and why. 1. The very fisrt thing is to remove the tube and hoses in the way and then remove the exhaust manifold - 10 nuts at top and 3 nuts at bottom all can be removed from the top of the car and disconnect the O2 sensor (replace when re-installing)depending how tall you are raise the vehicle to prevent hunching over uncomfortably. 2. Now with the exhaust manifold out of the way you now have access to the water pump, 3 nuts to remove at the front of the water pump and 5 bolts to the rear of the water pump to be taken out, 2 other bolts to be removed from the engine block and 2 thermostat housing screws to be removed also remove the heater hose there is a quick disconnect plastic piece that will break due to years of heat and this part is available at a GM dealership parts store #22657120 quick disconnect heater hose clamp 3. And now you will have to partially remove the timing chain cover plate by removing the screws and pry back the plate and place a blocking piece to hold the plate back, now you can slide the chain tensioner toward you which will then loosen the timing chain and then push the chain down with long pry bars or long screw drivers this will then set the water pump gear free from the chain and then the water pump assembly can be removed in its entirety. Now clean all surfaces of old gasket material and start installtion of the new water pump. 4. When installing the new water pump place the silicon gasket on and place onto the three studs, you will have to push the chain down again and place the water pump gear into the chain so the teeth grab once this is acheived you can start the three nuts for the front part of the water pump and then slide the tensioner back into place and this will take the slack away from the chain and now you can tighten all the timing plate cover screws 5. Replace the thermostat and O-ring gasket before installing water pump assembly. Tighten up the 3 nuts for the water pump loosely then the 5 bolts to the back of the water pump you will tighten loosely as well and then tighten the 2 block screws. Dont forget the new gaskets here with RTV on both sides then tighten the 2 screws for the thermostat housing. tighten all screws that are loose and check again by torqing by hand. And let this sit overnight for the RTV sealant to dry. 6 . Reinstalling the exhaust manifold new gaskets a must, replace the O2 sensor and then replace the exhaust manifold gasket at the cylider head and also the flange gasket at bottom to prevent leaks. tighten these nuts to Manufactures specs. and start the vehicle inspect for leaks and refill with antifreeze it will take awhile to bleed but keep an eye on the resevour level. 7. I hope this helps any other questions please reach me at acunaf3151@netscape.net