I did a routine fluid check today and I had antifreeze on the sway bar and the crank pulley. I started it up and messed with the throttle to find out where it was from. I'm 99% sure it's from the bottom of the water pump but I can't physically get down there to see it. So 2 questions:

1. It cools fine so can I just take it off and re-seal it if the inside doesn't look too worn out?

2. Anyone who has changed one how hard of a job is it on these cars? I have changed water pumps on other cars before so I know I can do it... I'm just wondering what kind of time frame with and without shop tools (if I need them I can go home to do it).

 

You're going to need long ratchets, power steering pulley remover and installer tools, a new gasket, and the right sealant (don't remember what I used). It's not hard at all if you know what you're doing, just be sure to remove ALL of the old gasket before you put the new one on, or it will leak.

 

Orange RTV sealant?

Shouldnt be a bad job. Just requires special tools for pulleys.

 

I know how to do it, im just wondering a time it may take... I have a fairly busy schedule and when it comes I will want to change it as soon as I can... problem is I have no garage up here so once it gets dark I really don't feel like messing with it, so I need to try to do it during the day in a decently short amount of time, unless i wait until the weekend.

 

Time wise, after having taking it off and on again 5+ times, I think It would take about an hour. Waiting for the coolant to drain will take the most time.

 

Sweet thanks, I knew it would be longer than the cutlass because there is more stuff attached to it. I was just hoping it would take under 1 and a half.