How to Replace the Water Pump on a 2005 Silverado
The water pump on a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado circulates coolant through the engine and the radiator, as well as the heater. When the water pump fails, the coolant won't circulate and just sits in the hoses and engine, collecting heat and causing the engine to overheat. If this happens, the engine can be seriously damaged. If you think your Silverado's water pump may be failing, replace it with a new one.
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Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- 3/8-inch breaker bar
- 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and socket set
- Fan clutch wrench
- Strap wrench
- Pliers
- Mechanics rags
- Acetone
- RTV sealant
- Gasket scraper
- Replacement water pump
- Replacement water pump gasket
- 50-50 pre-diluted coolant
Instructions
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1
Park the Silverado in a cool space and let the engine cool down. Go underneath the front of the truck and find the petcock on the bottom of the radiator. Turn the petcock and empty the coolant into the drain pan. Open the hood and remove the radiator cap.
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2
Remove the fan shroud on the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Remove the fan clutch on the water pump pulley using the strap wrench and the fan clutch wrench, then pull it out of the engine bay. Pull off the heater hoses and the thermostat hoses with the pliers.
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3
Unbolt the water pump from the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets. Scrape the water pump mounting surface with the gasket scraper, then clean off the surface with a mechanics rag soaked in acetone.
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4
Put on a thin coat of RTV sealant onto both sides of the replacement water pump gasket. Install the replacement water pump and water pump gasket onto the engine with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
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5
Install the heater hoses and the thermostat line using the pliers. Install the fan onto the water pump with the strap wrench and the fan clutch wrench. Reinstall the fan shroud with the 3/8-inch ratchet, extension and sockets.
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6
Open the radiator cap and fill up the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant, then reinstall the radiator cap. Start the truck. Adjust the climate controls to the highest fan speed and the highest heat setting. Let the truck run until the temperature gauge reaches the midway point, then turn off the Silverado and let it cool. Open the radiator cap and fill the radiator the rest of the way with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant.
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