Oldsmobile/Buick: Water Pump & Belt tensioner, haynes manual, ford engines

Question
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Followup To
Question -
My daughters '86 Olds 98 Regency 3.8L (FWD) is leaking from the water pump. More so, when it's parked leaning LOWER towards the curb (Passenger side, water pump side). I doesn't seem to leak when parked the other way. I am having trouble trying to get the Serpentine belt off. How do you release the tension on tensioner, and how hard is it to change the water pump. I've read where it says that I have to jack the engine up. I have looked at it and don't see why that would be necessary. It looks like an easy fix....am I wrong? I have had estimates of $350-$400 for the repair.   

Thanks,
Rich
Answer -
Richard ,

Unlike Ford Engines wich have a Idler Belt Tensioner thats released with a wrench you have to loosten the bolts on the alternator . If you look at the alternator there is one bolt if loostened will let the alternator pivot in place, this allows you to slip the serpentine belt over it and tension the belt . You'll beed a breaker bar to do it .

$3-400 isn't too bad for a new water pump install . Your right though installation is easy if your up for it . If you go to any local parts store you can pickup a Chilton or Haynes manual and follow the directions .

Heres a basic synopsis of what you might expect with a typical water pump install-reinstall

http://autorepair.about.com/cs/doityourself/a/aa092901a.htm

This can be time demanding if your not used to doing this type of work .

I'd have the problem assesed first before jumping in and replacing . Don't go to the shop and say " I think its the water pump" , you could have a bad bypass hose ,water pump seal or even a  Thermostat housing gasket leaking on the pump giving the false idea that its leaking . If this is the case it'll save you that $3-400 .

Rich hope this helps , if you have any more questions or would like to post a followup please do . Don't forget to rate my response to you .

Cheers,

Ed McKenna


Thanks Ed for your quick reply.

I do believe the water pump is bad. It is making a ton of racket! I placed a wooden stake on it (Warning!!!...Do not attempt this), to listen to, while the engine is idling and there is definitely a strong grinding noise coming from the water pumps' bushing and/or bearings. Ironically, it does not appear to be leaking at this time and is holding water...go figure. I do not want to chance having the water pump fail while my daughters on the road!

Thank you,
Rich  

Answer
Rich ,

You didn't say anything about a grinding noise =)

I can completely relate , it'll leave her stranded for sure. Now that you know what it is ,, it might not be a bad idea to give it a shot . Should take you about an hour or so , not hard at all .

Don't forget to rate my response to you .

Cheers and Good luck !

Ed McKenna