joesroad
Well-known member
How hard is it to install a new water pump on a 88 C4? I have the Haynes repair manual but cant see removing all the items they list. Just noticed it starting to leak today, anyone have any tips for this one?:ugh
1988 Water Pump
- Thread starter joesroad
- Start date
A lot of stuff has to be moved out of the way, but it's easily doable in an afternoon or a long day where you take your time. You'll need a deep socket to remove one of the compressor bracket bolts, I forget what size it is, I think 16mm but I'm probably wrong. If you have the "frisbee" on the waterpump, consider getting rid of it, it's just dead weight for your engine to move around and it will make it easier for you to see the w/p weep holes next time.
Degrease the front of the engine, trust me, it will be much more pleasant to work on. Just spray some simple green all around the front of the engine and hose it off, having a clean car to work on does wonders for your temper.
Consider replacing upper and lower radiator hoses while you're at it. You'll have to depressurize the fuel lines, because unfortunately they have to be disconnected to remove the compressor bracket. I do this by removing the fuel pump fuse and starting the car, this will get most of the gas out of the lines. You may want to replace the fuel line o-rings.
It's not difficult, just time-consuming.
Degrease the front of the engine, trust me, it will be much more pleasant to work on. Just spray some simple green all around the front of the engine and hose it off, having a clean car to work on does wonders for your temper.
Consider replacing upper and lower radiator hoses while you're at it. You'll have to depressurize the fuel lines, because unfortunately they have to be disconnected to remove the compressor bracket. I do this by removing the fuel pump fuse and starting the car, this will get most of the gas out of the lines. You may want to replace the fuel line o-rings.
It's not difficult, just time-consuming.
i did mine (88) about a year ago..looking at it, it appears to be a nightmare but, looking back, it was not all that hard....if i had to replace it again, i would say the same thing as when i first did it.."THIS IS A FREAKIN' NIGHTMARE!!!"....
TIPS;...JUST TAKE YOUR TIME AND USE A GOOD SEALER AND HAVE PLENTY OF LIGHT.....MOVE ANY WIRES OUT OF THE WAY VERY CAREFULLY AND IF YOU HAVE THE "FRISBE" STILL ATTACHED, GET RID OF IT!
milehigreg
Well-known member
Just Completed This Job
Just did a new waterpump on my 89 two weeks ago. You do need to remove everything from the front of the engine. It offers a great opportunity to clean off the front of the engine like Tyrel said. I ended up taking off the alternator and air pump and the brackets for them and cleaning all that stuff up too. Definitely should replace the lower hose while your there. I went crazy cleaning stuff and was very patient and this was still a two afternoon project.
Drove 190 miles through the mountains with no leaks. 
Just did a new waterpump on my 89 two weeks ago. You do need to remove everything from the front of the engine. It offers a great opportunity to clean off the front of the engine like Tyrel said. I ended up taking off the alternator and air pump and the brackets for them and cleaning all that stuff up too. Definitely should replace the lower hose while your there. I went crazy cleaning stuff and was very patient and this was still a two afternoon project.
Drove 190 miles through the mountains with no leaks. - Thread starter
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- Thread starter
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milehigreg
Well-known member
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