How to Change the Water Pump in a Chevy Express
The water pump on a Chevrolet Express pumps coolant between the radiator and the engine, which cools down the engine block and cylinder head. The water pump is crucial to the cooling system, and if it fails or starts to malfunction in any way, then the engine will overheat and could be damaged beyond repair. To fix the problem, you have to replace the water pump with a new one, which will take at least an hour to do.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Drain pan
- Pliers
- Fan clutch removal tool
- Fan clutch removal wrench
- 3/8-inch breaker bar
- 3/8-inch ratchet and socket set
- Replacement water pump
- 50-50 pre-diluted coolant
Instructions
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1
Allow the engine to cool for several hours before you start working on the water pump. Place a drain pan below the radiator. Open the petcock on the bottom of the radiator and pour all of the coolant out of the system.
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2
Open the hood. Remove the air intake tubing leading to the throttle body on the front of the engine, using the flat-head screwdriver. Remove the upper fan shroud from the core support with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then remove the fan and fan clutch from the front of the water pump, using the fan clutch removal tool and fan clutch removal wrench. Remove the drive belt on the engine by turning the tensioner with the 3/8-inch breaker bar and pulling it off the engine.
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3
Disconnect the hoses from the water pump, using the pliers. Unbolt the water pump from the engine, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Install the replacement water pump onto the engine with the ratchet, and reinstall the hoses onto the water pump with the pliers. Reinstall the belt using the breaker bar, then reinstall the fan, using the fan clutch removal tool and the fan clutch removal wrench.
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4
Reinstall the fan shroud with the ratchet and reinstall the air intake tubing, using the flat-head screwdriver. Open the radiator cap and fill up the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant.
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