QuestionCan you specify what special tools I will need? Im studying automotive tech and unfortunately my school instructor wouldnt help or allow me to use the shop which sucks about that school. I have been on the fence for the past week with ppl telling me that the engine doesnt have to be lifted or they have to be. Perhap you can show me the illustration of the engine being lifted as the water pump being taken out. That wld help me make my decision. I even went to an auto shop and he said doesnt have to lift the engine.
Kevin
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Followup To
Question -
I have 1997 Pontiac Sunfire GT 2.4l and the water pump is leaking. My friend said I have to lift the engine to replace the water pump but my Haynes Repair Manual didnt say anything about lifting the engine. I am pretty unsure about this.
Answer -
Yes you have to lift it or support it to remove the front mount to take the timing chain off.
There are several special tools and proceedures to replacing the water pumpon this veh. If your not 100% sure about how to do it, or dont have the tools, dont try it!
AnswerThe older quad 4 engines did not need to be lifted to replace the water pump, but on the newer ones, you have to remove the timing chain to replace the pump as I told you before. To remove the chain, you have to remove the front motor mount. To remove the mount, you have to support the motor or it will fall. You dont have to LIFT the motor but you do have to support it from the bottom, like I told you before. You also have to remove the exhaust manifold, the water pipe and cross over.
You will need the camshaft positioning lock tools and the chain tensioner holding and release tools.
This is not a hard job, just a time consuming one, if you know what you are doing, but it can turn ugly if you dont know what you are doing. Have you ever timed a 2.4 before?
I have done hundreds of these waterpumps over the years and I know what I'm talking about. I hope you do.Good luck
