I just bought a new waterpump from the dealer which was actually a kit with the thermostat, gasket and such.

My question is really intended for Argon,but if you've done this job I welcome your input. I will be replaceing the pump tomorrow after work, so a couple of questions.

1. Is there something special I need to pay attention to in order to get this right the first time? meaning me being used to old school 350's and such.

2. How do I refill the coolant to proper level? I see the newer radiators don't have caps anymore. Will standing there with a bottle and pouring it into the resivior be my only option, if so, how long will it take to reach proper level?

3. Will the current hose clamps be reuseable? or should I replace them with the old school type ( with the screw and band )?

 

bump

 

as far as the clamps go id check the old ones to see if theyll hold up before deciding to replace them. if theres no radiator cap then youll have to put it in through the resavoir. should be a line on the tank tellin you when its full.

 

its quite easy..EXCEPT for getting the fan off...you probably need to look into borrowing a tool from a parts store..there are a few different types.

its easy to change...4 hoses...6 bolts...move the tensioner to your new pump.

buy dexcool..i know its high,but the truck needs it.
thenm yes,just keep filling...good luck!

 

To do just the thermostat I completely drained the radiator, however you will need something under the engine to catch the rest of the coolant. No matter what you do there will be plenty left inside the waterpump. It shouldn't be too hard with the right tools. I would get the fan removal tool set just because there is NO WAY you can remove the fan alone without those tools. When finished replace the coolant, (I think you just have to do it via the overflow container), then let it run until it reaches full temp and add. You might have to add some more after you drive it a little so carry some coolant with you.

 

Just got done with the waterpump, Argon you were right about the special tool, only thing, Advance rented me 'A' tool, but it wasn't 'THE' tool I needed. So I got creative. I bought a new belt since I was going to have it all apart anyway. I used the old one sorta like one of those rubber grip wrench or bottle openers. Don't do this unless you got a new belt though........

 

not sure i understand...
what tool did ya rent?.,..the hol;ding thing with the 2 *******?

and how did you use the belt?

 

They gave me the tool without *******, didn't have it either when I called back. I used my old belt to grip that bell that's on the fan clutch. I basically wrapped it around the bell then grabbed it with channel locks and cinched down to grip it the used my cresent wrench to break the nut loose. That was when I had the old pump out and on the ground. With the new pump in I wrapped it around the bell the used the pully next to the alternator ( the smooth one ) to help cinch down and hold the bell to tighten the nut. I thought about modifying the fork tool they did rent me, but I would have been out 60 bucks if I started drilling holes in it. Had all the tools and stuff to modify it, but after dropping $500 bucks in necessities, I didn't need the rented tool on my shelf, so I got creative. I worked pretty well, but I would have liked the right tool, big time saver.