How long can you go with a leaking water pump? I think it is the gasket. I ordered the pump and a tool, which will get here next week. I guess as long as there is water in there I can drive?

Any tips on removal and installation? Videos make it look like gettting to the bolts and clamps are the hard part.

 

Just keep the radiator topped off and you'll be good to go. Trying to remember if I've changed the water pump on mine, but the only problem I've had with a water pump on any vehicle was my wife's 98 Camaro SS. That nose was so long on it that it was a pain having to keep my legs straight and bent over at the waist with my arms reached out. I'd rather do that job on anything other than those Camaros!

 

That's encouraging, I have a hundred miles of trips to take before I can get to the pump.

Q. Can the pump be removed with the pulley still bolted on?
Q. Folks say drain the radiator then pull the lower hose. Why not just pull the hose?
Q. With the pump out, what's a good way to flush the system?
Q.Will a thin coat of Form-a-gasket #2 be ok for both sides of the gasket?

 

My pully hold-down tool arrived but the holes are too small for the bolt heads. I used a prybar to hold the pulley still and the 36mm spanner worked fine to loosen the fan. Encouraged, I removed the fan shroud. Fan off, I used two opposing 13mm socket wrenches to remove the pulley bolts, (possibly aided by the fact that last night I dripped some PB blaster down there. That loosened the belt. Removed the idler pulley and then actually the toughest job was pulling the lower radiator hose; a pick and screwdriver assisted that job, then the other hoses, the four pump bolts and Ta-da. Removal took one hour and 5 min.

Darkness has fallen. Tomorrow is another day!

 

Put everything together, took two hours including removing and flushing the overflow reservoir, which was disgustingly nasty. . Radiator took 2 gallons. On idle, temp needle got stuck, IDK if it's on hot or cold. Worked itself free to 180-190 after a short drive.
No leaks, looks like I'm back in business.

 

Nice job on getting it done!

 

It is so much fun looking in the reservoir and radiator and seeing clear clean water!

 

With antifreeze, right?

 

water only can ruin the pump. it rusted the impeller cover thru on my 4.3.

Some old timey tricks dont work today!