Cadillac Repair: 1992 Cadillac Sedan DeVille, propane torch, metric sockets

Question
I understand that the engine on this car is sideways.  I also hear that in order to change the water pump the battery and coolant reserve tank need to be removed.  I was told by many mechanics that they won't do it - or else they will charge $200-$400 for labor alone.  I want to change the water pump myself - but I am not really sure where to begin.  How do you change the water pump on a front wheel drive 1992 Cadillac Sedan Deville?

Answer
Hi Christina, The job itself isn't too hard...there are worse ones out there. You will need some metric sockets and wrenches as well as torx bit sockets. The dificult part is the 2 torx head bolts under the waterpump pulley. Most times they come out but sometimes they sieze in the block and useing a propane torch will be needed to heat the bolts to get them out. Once those bolts are undone then the rest of the job should be straight forward. What I would do is go to the library and look in section 618-625 and find a motor or chilton manual and read up on the procedure. There are numerous steps as well as pictures and haveing the manual would be better than me explaining it because I might shortcut a step unintensionally. Then you can decide if you want to do this job. 2 things to remember...1) if you are going to flush all the old coolant out then you will need a 6 pack of seal tablets to put in the rad with the fresh antifreeze but if reuseing the stuff you drain out then adding tabs aren't necessary. 2) Cut the torx bit with a hacksaw so the bit sticks out of the socket by 3/8"...that way you can sneak it and a ratchet between the bolt and the frame to loosen the bolts. Too bad you didn't live near the Rockford,IL area I could do the job for you or we could work together on this. Hope that helps. Bill