Chevy & GMC Vans

So I was driving around the other day, and smelled coolant after I stopped. A quick look at the engine, and it appears that the gasket behind the water pump is leaking. I didn't see any fluid, just that familiar white dried up residue. Now, I'm fairly certain I would be able to change it out myself, but I'm a little hesitant because I live in an apartment and they don't want any work on vehicles done. Also, not so sure where to drop off used coolant... where does everyone drop there coolant off ?
So I thought about sending it to a shop, any thoughts about how much labor hours it would take? I figured instead of just replacing the gaskets might as well slap a new pump in there since the labor would be the same, as well as new hoses and a thermostat. My van hasn't seen any maintainence on the cooling system in the 6 years I've owned it, so I think it's well over due..

I think dexcool is safe to dump because it breaks down. It's OK to put it in the toilet because it gets treated, but putting it down the storm drain hurts the fishies. The green stuff I take to the nearest quick-lube shop (Mr. Lube up here). They also take your oils and filters.

Can you work on it outside on the side of the road?

It's an easy job to do, just takes time to get the shroud out and get to the water pump. For all that work, a shop should be able to do it in an hour or two. They are also going to charge you 10% to 20% more for the same parts you buy. If there is any way to do it yourself, it is worth it.

DON'T DUMP IT DOWN THE TOILET. Even if you have a sewage treatment plant in your community they only remove the solids and the rest gets dumped into the nearest river or ocean. All liquids go straight though any sewage treatment plant with the rest of the waste water.
Call your local fire department or municiple works department and they will be able to guide you to the proper dumping facilities.
I lived in a condo in Calgary for a little bit and they to had a policy of no wrenching on the property. So if I did have to do something I would park it out on the street in front of the building. I was off there property so there was nothing they could do about it.

Peter

I did Green's water pump gaskets in a restaurant parking lot this past summer. Took a few hours.

How did you make out?

I would keep the OEM pump if possible. Often the aftermarket ones are junk.

timelessbeing wrote:How did you make out?

I would keep the OEM pump if possible. Often the aftermarket ones are junk.

Well... I haven't... I'm contemplating doing it myself - just because I'm broke and don't want to pay a fortune in labor costs.
but as you mentioned with the aftermarket parts, you never know what you might get. I've been looking at the parts sold at autozone and advance auto, but honestly, I've never even heard of those brands. I know the shop I've taken my van to before only uses OEM parts, so that's a plus...

Really just trying to decide if I wan't to fork over the extra cash to a shop...

Anybody have the water pump bolts snap on them before when trying to remove the pump?
If I replace the pump, should I replace the bolts as well?

I haven't removed an Astro water pump yet, but on my previous GM car it was no problem. I got one from the junkyard for $20 that was like new.

If you're worried about the bolts, soak them in penetrating oil for a little while. Then put a box wrench wrench on it, and tap it with a hammer until it comes loose. If it's not damaged, I wouldn't worry about reusing it. Clean it with a wire brush, put on a bit of grease so it goes in easy, and tighten it down properly with a torque wrench.

I just replaced my water pump today. After 21 years the shaft seal gave out.
It's like most things on these vans, a pain in the a**, but not complicated. An extra pair of hands will make things go faster if you can talk a bud into wrenching with you.

kings-x59 wrote:I just replaced my water pump today. After 21 years the shaft seal gave out.
It's like most things on these vans, a pain in the a**, but not complicated. An extra pair of hands will make things go faster if you can talk a bud into wrenching with you.

21YEARS!?!? wow...

I was going to replace my water pump as a preventative maintenance measure (2003 Astro Cargo). I guess I'll just leave it.

So how much of a PITA is water pump replacement on these beasties?

Also, any feedback on a Bosch water pump?

When I did mine I used some of the long bolts from a starter with the heads cut off and a slot cut in the end of the bolts.Screwed them into the W/P holes-slid the W/P gaskets on-then the W/P-then removed one top stud and put in a w/p bolt-then the other top one the same way-then the bottom w/p bolts on each side.The stud holds the gasket in place and makes threading the w/p bolts easier.

I also perform the tip Gary suggested. Makes the job easier.

I also use the same trick when installing differential covers. Less RTV mess that way.