Hi Guys.. I am looking to replace my water pump and Thermostat. I was wondering from anyone that has done it if there was anything to watch out for or use caution around?? My Bearing in my water pump is squealing pretty bad from time to time..

Thanks for any pointers

 

Hole in the thermostat goes up. (if it has one). Make sure the T-stat doesn't slip down before you tighten the housing. Easy for it to slip, then the ear on the housing snaps. I had a bolt break, taking the housing off. Then previously broken ear ended up breaking my belt...nightmare. On day three somebody brought me up a belt. I and figured 15 min or so for that T-stat swap.

 

Test fit the pump pully to the new pump body, check for clearance, I.ve had some castings rub the pully, you can file a little clearance, easier if pump is not yet on motor.

 

I took my front end apart for the fix made it easier but i also had to fix 2 of the 4 water pumps bolt holes (stripped by PO). Pay attention to torque specs as the block is aluminum.

 

This may sound dumb, but when you get your new pump, spin it some to check it. I've seen several new/rebuilts out of the box that had bent shafts or bad bearings. When you get it bolted up, spin it by hand to make sure the fins aren't hitting the housing or timing cover. Make sure not to rip your gaskets. Pointy end of the Tstat goes towards the radiator. Try to avoid the super cheap Tstats (they can be troublesome).
Lastly, it would be a GREAT time to do a full flush of your cooling system, and replace any squishy hoses. It's a fairly easy job, even if time consuming. Good luck.

 

Thanks guys for the heads up!