How Do I Install a Water Pump on a 1992 Oldsmobile Achieva?

When the water pump malfunctions on a 1992 Oldsmobile Achieva, the car begins to overheat. However, overheating does not necessarily mean the water pump is defunct. Use the process of elimination to determine the exact cause. The easiest issue to check is whether the thermostat is opening and closing properly. If the thermostat is working properly, the water pump is the likely culprit. Replace the pump as soon as possible. If you allow the car to overheat repeatedly, the head gasket will blow, which considerably increases repair costs.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery terminal by loosening the nut with a wrench. Drain the coolant into the drain pan.

2

Remove the serpentine belt from the engine by loosening the tensioner bolt with a socket and ratchet and it will swing downward.

3

Remove the timing belt cover using a socket and ratchet to remove the bolts.

4

Jack the car with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the frame near the jacking point. Raise the jack stand up to the frame of the car.

5

Remove the crankshaft pulley using a socket and ratchet. Lower the car back to the ground.

6

Remove the coolant reservoir using a wrench to remove the bolts.

7

Mark the direction and position of the timing belt before you remove it to allow you to put it back in the same place when you reassemble the vehicle.

8

Loosen the water pump bolts. Remove the timing belt from the engine. Remove the water pump and the seal from the engine.

9

Install the new water pump and seal. Loosely install the bolts. Put the timing belt back on the car, according to the marks you made previously. Tighten the bolts on the water pump with the torque wrench to 18 foot-pounds.

10

Reinstall the coolant reservoir and tighten the bolts with a wrench.

11

Jack the car up with the automobile jack. Place the jack stand under the frame near the jacking point. Raise the jack stand up to the frame of the car.

12

Reinstall the crankshaft pulley and tighten it with a socket and ratchet. Lower the car back to the ground.

13

Reinstall the timing belt cover and tighten the bolts with a socket and ratchet.

14

Reinstall the serpentine belt according to the belt diagram on the fan shroud. Move the belt tensioner back up into place and tighten it up with a socket and ratchet. Fill the radiator and reservoir with coolant.

15

Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten the nut with a wrench. Start the car and check thoroughly for leaks.