Replacing water pump on s-series truck

carnutzzz · 07-11-2005, 08:13 AM

1997 GMC Jimmy with 4.3 Liter.

I think I need a waterpump. Pretty easy swap?

928ram · 07-11-2005, 08:25 AM

4.3 is based on the 90 degree V8 block (350,etc.), should be simple and cheap.

vash · vash's Garage

i got one (1996), and my buddy just did the work on his. he was bragging about it. but he did mention the need for a huge (36mm?) wrench. i will check with him if he ever comes in this morning. historically, nothing has been easy to fix on my truck.

edit: just talked to him. he is not the best narrator, but you need a 36mm open wrench to remove a big nut. and in order to that, there is a specialized tool that holds two or the five nuts to counterhold the entire assembly. he said he bought both tools from snap on. he will be here in a few hours and perhaps i can show a picture of the tool.

carnutzzz · 07-11-2005, 09:08 AM

Hmmmm...

Why must everything be so difficult nowadays?

pwd72s · 07-11-2005, 09:10 AM

Hmmm, sounds it might be the time to weigh special tool costs against the cost of taking the rig to a good independent shop...

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Probably talking about the radiator fan. Last time I did a 97 I just dropped the bolts between the fan clutch and the waterpump itself.

rjp

vash · vash's Garage

he said he spent $100 at the snap on truck. not too bad for tools you well never use again.

asphaltgambler · 07-11-2005, 10:29 AM

Should be a cake walk.

vash · vash's Garage

ok, looks easy. you need snap on parts# YA6120. i cant see a way around it.

carnutzzz · 07-11-2005, 01:05 PM

Good info!

carnutzzz · 07-12-2005, 07:39 AM

Ok, I climbed under last night with a flashlight and consulted my Chiltons.

It looks like the big wrench is only used to seperate the fan from the fan clutch, and I won't need to do that as I can remove the whole assembly from the water pump hub, according to Chiltons.

It looks like I have a leak from one corner of the panel on the back of the waterpump. Why is that panel there? Held on by 5 or so bolts and appears to have a gasket in there.

Last night it dropped a pancake sized water pool, so I'm guessing I should tend to this this weekend.

928ram · 07-12-2005, 07:43 AM

That panel is the cover for the back of the pump, it's where they install all the components into the casting.

carnutzzz · 07-12-2005, 08:11 AM

Well duh, that makes sense.

vash · vash's Garage

i thought that you need to remove the fan to remove the pulley from the water pump? maybe i am wrong.

does your truck have the improved serpentine belt tensioner? if not, replace it. mine gave up, sheared at the fastener. it would have been trouble if i didnt notice it, while messing around with it. while you are there.

asphaltgambler · 07-12-2005, 09:23 AM

If you are replacing the pump you will still need to remove the clutch fan assy