Questions before I replace my water pump

[DonnieBrasco]

Code in glove compartment should be KG8 is a 130 amp and either K61, K62 or K65 would be 105 amp.

Just called the dealership. Gave him the last right of my VIN. Apparently I have the 145 amp? I was thinking 135 or 140. But apparently not. At least now I can get the serp belt for my MLK Day project!

I'm pretty sure when you do the waterpump, you also need to replace the fan clutch. When I did mine, the waterpump came with a letter inside that said the warranty is void if you do not replace the fan clutch at the time of replacement. In order to avoid all that I removed the fan completey and did the e-fan mod. However, in your case, I would just get a new fan clutch and put the old fan back on.

Well damn. You're probably right. I probably should replace it anyway. Oh well that's another 50-60 bucks! I want to do the e-fan eventually but that's another project for another day!

 

[SLCHOE]

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

I always put a very thin even layer of GMS (http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Fluid-12378521-Engine-Sealant/dp/B000QIR5OA) on both sides of the gaskets.

I used to do it with just the gaskets but sometimes imperfections (pitting) in the surfacesand warpage that can cause leakage. Do it once, use GMS.

Lay the water pump down and use your finger to apply GMS to the gasket surfaces, thin but even. Apply the gaskets to the water pump and seat. Apply another tin-even coat to the applied gaskets. Install waterpump to timing cover (cleaned surfaces).

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Thanks for the advice, SLCHOE. I will definitely do that.

Finally, do I need a damn torque wrench for this? Don't have one and really don't want to buy one. Is it absolutely necessary? TIA.

 

[Red_Raider]

No you don't need a torque wrench. You can use just a basic set of sockets. Did you decide to change the fan clutch? I did this a few months back along with a gates water pump, new thermostat, belts, plugs, and wires.

 

[DonnieBrasco]

No you don't need a torque wrench. You can use just a basic set of sockets. Did you decide to change the fan clutch? I did this a few months back along with a gates water pump, new thermostat, belts, plugs, and wires.

Thanks. Didn't think I would need a torque. And I probably will do the fan clutch as well. I don't think it's ever been done on this one (at least not as long as I've had it) and it's simple as hell so I may as well do it while I've got access to it.

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Many thanks to all of y'all who helped me out with this. It took me and a buddy the bulk of the afternoon yesterday but that's mainly because I had to go back to the store a few times to exchange the fan clutch and to get a housing for the thermostat (the original was one piece, thermostat and housing). Also had an issue getting the fan off with the pulley spinning. Got Macgyver on it and threaded a wire hanger through the holes on the pulley to hold it. Other than those setbacks not a bad job at all. And thank God I replaced the belts too. They were starting to get pretty worn and cracked. Thanks for all y'all's help! She's running nicely now and no more coolant leak!

 

[OR VietVet]

Nice feeling when you get it all done. Just think, a qualified tech with the correct tools and know how does that job in about 1.5-2 hours. But you stuck to it and got it done with no leaks. How much did you spend on beer during the job?

 

[DonnieBrasco]

Ha! Definitely had a few Busch Lights, that went down like nails after a heavy weekend of raging. But doing some physical labor was good. Sweated some toxins out!

 

[OR VietVet]

When I first started turning wrenches back in 1977-1978 I used to party all night with friends and went in with about 2-3 hours sleep and by the time about 2-3 hours went by I had sweated out the booze and was good to go till started all over again that night. Hard times but good times. I actually still have some Snap-On wrenches that I used back then.

 

[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.

Many thanks to all of y'all who helped me out with this. It took me and a buddy the bulk of the afternoon yesterday but that's mainly because I had to go back to the store a few times to exchange the fan clutch and to get a housing for the thermostat (the original was one piece, thermostat and housing). Also had an issue getting the fan off with the pulley spinning. Got Macgyver on it and threaded a wire hanger through the holes on the pulley to hold it. Other than those setbacks not a bad job at all. And thank God I replaced the belts too. They were starting to get pretty worn and cracked. Thanks for all y'all's help! She's running nicely now and no more coolant leak!

Sorry about that, I specifically told you that the thermostat housing could be re-used, and apparently I was wrong. It is reuseable on my '05, so I was giving you advice based on my personal experience.

Congrats on getting the job done. My local dealer wanted to charge me $780 to do the water pump, so even though you may have burned an afternoon, you likely saved yourself $500.