Questions before I replace my water pump

[DonnieBrasco]

2003 Yukon. Time to replace the water pump, losing a good bit of coolant from the seals and/or weep hole. I plan on replacing the pump, thermostat, serpentine belt, and AC belt. This is based off of articles I've read and videos I've seen. I've got a few questions before I start the project so I have all my ducks in a row.

1. I know how to find the serpentine belt. But what is the AC belt, meaning what am I looking for or is it called something else?

2. Is there anything in particular I need to be on the lookout for when I buy the water pump? Or can I just put my info for my yukon into one of the auto parts sites and I'll be goo to go with what they suggest?

3. I need some gasket sealer/goop stuff to put on the gaskets before I install right? Anything in particular?

4. After the installation, do I just put new coolant in the reservoir up to the fill line or should I put more or less in at first?

Is there anything else I need to know or am leaving out? I've never done a water pump replacement before but I do most all my other stuff on my yukon that I am capable of doing so I don't think I will have any issues. I just like to know everything I am doing beforehand and have everything I need so I don't get halfway through the project and realize I need some other part or tool. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[OR VietVet]

1. It is a separate listed a/c belt or a/c compressor belt. Down low on the passenger side front of engine. Has it's own tensioner.

2. The water pump listing should be straight forward when you punch in the info for the application. I am assuming it is a 5.3 engine? AC Delco #251743

3. Don't have to use sealer as long as the sealer surfaces are clean and dry. Make sure all of the old gasket is gone. Can use a small thin film of sealer, Permatex, to hold gasket in place and can do the thin film on both sides..

4. Add 50% mixture of coolant to the radiator and then start when you fill it and add as needed while engine is idling. Have your heater turned on. Add slowly while running. take for a test drive and then recheck the coolant level.


Do you have the correct tools for removing and replacing the serp belts?

 

[DonnieBrasco]

1. It is a separate listed a/c belt or a/c compressor belt. Down low on the passenger side front of engine. Has it's own tensioner.

2. The water pump listing should be straight forward when you punch in the info for the application. I am assuming it is a 5.3 engine? AC Delco #251743

3. Don't have to use sealer as long as the sealer surfaces are clean and dry. Make sure all of the old gasket is gone. Can use a small thin film of sealer, Permatex, to hold gasket in place and can do the thin film on both sides..

4. Add 50% mixture of coolant to the radiator and then start when you fill it and add as needed while engine is idling. Have your heater turned on. Add slowly while running. take for a test drive and then recheck the coolant level.


Do you have the correct tools for removing and replacing the serp belts?

Thanks for the quick response. I think it's the 5.3, but can't remember off the top of my head. I'm gonna check tonight.

I thought all I needed to get the serp belt off was a socket wrench to loosen the tensioner pulley? Or do you mean the big ass wrench to get the fan off? That I do not have. And I don't have a big enough crescent wrench for it either. If I can't find one I'll just rent or buy/return the big fan wrench set from the auto store. Is that what you meant? Thanks brother.

 

[OR VietVet]

Do not, I repeat, do not remove the bolt holding the tensioner pulley to the tensioner! If you look there will be a square drive at the front of the tensioner to stick a ratchet square drive or extension in to and pull the tension off with.

Rent the fan tool.

Look at several you tube videos to see what I am talking about.

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Do not, I repeat, do not remove the bolt holding the tensioner pulley to the tensioner! If you look there will be a square drive at the front of the tensioner to stick a ratchet square drive or extension in to and pull the tension off with.

Rent the fan tool.

Look at several you tube videos to see what I am talking about.

Awesome. Thanks for the advice. Yeah, that's what I meant about the square drive on the socket. Also, and this is an ignorant question but I can open the coolant reservoir while it's running? I didn't think I could do that? Although it would be easier since I always have to let the engine cool down before adding coolant. Might get this project done tomorrow. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 01:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:47 PM ----------

It is the 5.3 engine. How do I know what size thermostat outlet I need? I've seen some 2.05" and some smaller like 1.88" or something. Just want to make sure I get the right one before I pull the old one off. Thanks.

 

[OR VietVet]

No, you refill at the radiator with the cap off while running. When you feel it is full and the thermostat has opened a few times and the hot and cooled coolant has swapped a few times then reinstall the rad cap and fill to the line in the reservoir. Then drive it and then come back and see if the fluid in reservoir has moved at the line. Wait for the engine to cool and has no pressure on the upper rad hose by squeezing it. If is hard it has pressure and should ONLY BE OPENED at the time if a qualified tech does it that knows the procedure, otherwise wait till hose is soft and pressure is down. Then top off fluid as needed. DO NOT OPEN THAT RAD CAP if hose is hard and you are not trained. You will regret it and the hot fluid will hurt badly and someone will need to drive you to the hospital. Bad ju ju!

 

[DonnieBrasco]

I need to get the separate thermostat inlet housing as well, correct? Looks like it based off the reviews at least. Just wanted to make sure. Might not get the AC Delco pump since I see some others for cheaper. I just want to make sure I get all the right stuff before I get started. Also looks like belts are more expensive than I thought? Should I expect to pay at least 20 bucks per belt? Thanks.

 

[clandr1]

I need to get the separate thermostat inlet housing as well, correct? Looks like it based off the reviews at least. Just wanted to make sure.

No, you don't neee the inlet housing. The one you have is reuseable.

Might not get the AC Delco pump since I see some others for cheaper. I just want to make sure I get all the right stuff before I get started.

The Delco pump was twice as expensive as a Gates, and only had a 12 month warranty. I bought a Gates since it came with a lifetime warranty at half the cost.

Also looks like belts are more expensive than I thought? Should I expect to pay at least 20 bucks per belt?

Yes, mine were approx $25-35 per belt

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Awesome. Thanks for that. Ok here is what I am looking at getting...

Pump: https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=948620&cc=1415551

Thermostat: https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=1022550&cc=1415551

Belt: https://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=4072&cc=1415551

Is that the AC or serp belt? The damn belts is the only thing still confusing me. Thanks for y'all's patience. Once I figure out the two belts I need I'll be good to go. Thanks yall.

 

[clandr1]

That is the correct A/C belt for your truck (K040378).

You will also need to buy a large belt, and in order to find out which one you need you will need to find out what amp output your alternator has. I called the dealership with my VIN in hand and the guy was able to tell me (since I couldn't find it on the alternator case anywhere).

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/s...431947&brand=Gates&cat=Belt+-+Serpentine+Type