Water Pump Tips....have any for me?

[Kitskaboodle]

I have determined my Reatta has a bad water pump.
I noticed it was dribbling antifreeze under the car on
the passenger side so I looked around everywhere.
(heater core housing, heater hose connections, etc...)
but couldnt find the leak. So, I decided to then test
the water pump bearing for looseness.
I grabbed the pully with both hands and I could wiggle the
water pump pulley just a little bit. (not a lot, just a little bit)
So, I am assuming the bearing is just starting to show failure
symptoms. (like "weeping" antifreeze out the weep hole occasionally)

Anyways, anyone change their water pump? Any helpful tips?
How long did it take you?
Oh, and the engine has about 175K on it although it kind of
looks like it might have been replaced once already but am not sure.

Thanks, Kit

[Barney Eaton]

There is a return/bypass hose that comes out the top-back of the pump and goes to the intake. Make sure you replace that hose, it is almost impossible to change the hose without removing the water pump.

I think the hardest part of changing the water pump is getting the old gasket off the block side if it sticks. Pretty simple process, remove the belt, remove the bolts, remove the pump, reverse procedure to replace.

[padgett]

I usually spend about double the time everything else take, just cleanng the block surface. Is a simple job can do from top.

[harry yarnell]

As for the bypass hose, check the nipple the hose mates with at the manifold. I think all code 'C' motors, this nipple was metal, but the code 'L' motors, they were plastic...and crack. Seen it many times...
The pump is cake to R&R.

[Kitskaboodle]

Thanks gentleman for the tips.

Regarding this bypass-return hose.....what exactly is it for?
Coolant? Air?
Suggestions on where to buy this hose?

Kit

[Bodeanardo]

I replaced the water pump, the bypass hose, both heater hoses, both radiator hoses and the thermostat on my 90 and bought all the parts at O'reilly's. Buy the brand new pump not the reman.

[89Reatta]

I recently replaced the water pump / serpentine belt on my 89. It is an easy job and I spent a total of less than $100 for new belt, brand new pump, and antifreeze at Autozone. There is a good video on YouTube regarding the 3800 engine water pump replacement that helped me out considerably.

[Kitskaboodle]

OK...water pump is out of the car but it wasn't easy. I had to rock that sucker back and forth for a while before it would let loose.

Also, the lowest bolt on the water pump, (one of the 10mm smaller ones)
was a real nightmare!! I broke off the bolt head but was able to thread
two nuts onto it, PB Blaster the crap out of it and I was finally able to back
the threaded portion out. I really thought my day was going to get really bad but disaster was narrowly averted.

I got the return/bypass hose from a local auto store since the Buick dealer said they are discontinued. At least he helped by giving me the GM number.
It's a Good Year hose so the quality is good. I got two Ideal hose clamps while I was at it.

Now I have to make a Junk yard run tommorow to get some spare water pump bolts. (After all I broke one and cant find a decent equivilent anywhere.

Unless anyone here knows where to get the bolts??

Thanks, Kit

P.S. Despite what I heard about the 90 intake manifold nipple being plastic mine is metal and it's in good shape.

[padgett]

Haven't looked but the local Lowes has drawers for metric, stainless, and graded bolts.

[Double M]

Home Depot too... They have saved me from many a broken metric bolt issue!

[Kitskaboodle]

Thanks for the hardware tip guys.
I ended up getting some spare bolts from the local Pick-N-Pull.
As usual there were lots of GM cars out there with the 3800.

Now, if it would only stop raining I can finish this job.
Kit

[NCReatta]

Thanks for the hardware tip guys.
I ended up getting some spare bolts from the local Pick-N-Pull.
As usual there were lots of GM cars out there with the 3800.

Now, if it would only stop raining I can finish this job.
Kit

better rain than snow... I wouldn't mind working in rain...