water pump

[sawdustcaeser]

i need to replace my water pump. any handy hints from those who have done so befor? while i'm at it i'm going to replace the thermostat. what is the best way to flush/clean out the waterways in the engine block? is there a chemical or additive i can use?

 

[arthuy]

I would be careful with the bolts, I have rebuilt my engine and has a thermostat stud break and a water pump bolt shear.


Colin

 

[1970 2000 sc]

A good tip for removing any rusted in or old bolts is give them a good sqirt of wd 40 or something similar every day for a few days in advance, this can make a huge difference, ie no rounded nuts, or snaped bolts, It also saves on removing to much skin from your knuckles

 

[scauto]

Hi,

thermostat housing - if it wont come off, its probably due to the studs being corroded onto the housing. You can buy new studs, but I think the housings are hard to come by. Drilling out the studs could be difficult, not what you want to do!
if the nuts unscrew but the housing wont shift, soak the studs daily for a week with penatrating oil, then get some ordinary stainless steel knives and lots of really hot water (boiling) ready.
First try getting the housing really hot by pouring lots of hot water over it - it might looseing things up. If it still wont move try gently tapping the knives in between the head and the block to act as wedges - you have to be careful not to break any thing go slowly.
If this works you might have to buy some new knives -- it worked ok for me!

Another thing to try is to weld nuts onto the top of the studs - the heat created during welding can free stuck studs - but wait until everything is cool before you apply a small spanner to try and first tighten 1/4 turn then undo 1/2 turn etc. If the stud is still rock solid tight - see above method.
!