Water Pump Install - '89 TBI 350

[89Suburban]

This is a write up for a water pump install performed on my 1989 GMC Subruban V-1500 5.7L V-8.

Making sure engine is cool, carefully remove Radiator cap.

 

[89Suburban]

Open petcock at bottom of radiator to drain antifreeeze from motor.

 

[89Suburban]

Remove upper radiator hose clamp and mounting bracket at radiator/fan shroud and remove hose.

 

[89Suburban]

Take that end of the radiator hose and pull down towards the drain pan to drain fluid trapped in the upper hose.

 

[89Suburban]

Remove clamp and hose from thermostat housing.

 

[89Suburban]

Next remove the air cleaner intake tube from the radiator support to make access easier, and remove four bolts holding the two fan shroud halves together, 2 on each side. They should be 10 mm unless they have been changed out by somebody.

 

[89Suburban]

Next remove two bolts on top of the fan shroud that screw into the radiator support. One on each side, 10mm.

 

[89Suburban]

Slide shroud towards motor to unlock from support and raise up and remove.

 

[89Suburban]

Next to remove is the clutch fan. Before doing so, check for leaks or any wobbling/play.

 

[89Suburban]

Use a 1/2" wrench to break loose, BUT DO NOT REMOVE, the 4 nuts holding the fan/pulley on. This is being done while the belt is tensioned so it holds it still to break the nuts free.

 

[89Suburban]

Next, using a 5/8" wrench, lift the tensioner and remove the serpintene belt.

 

[89Suburban]

Finish removing the nuts off of the clutch fan and remove fan and pulley.

 

[89Suburban]

Remove lower hose and clamp from water pump outlet. Be prepared for more coolant to flow out doing this.

 

[89Suburban]

Remove the 4 bolts, 2 on each side, holding the water pump to the motor and remove pump. Bolts are 9/16".

 

[HotRodPC]

Pretty detailed write up so far !!!

I have a feeling with a new coolant recovery system, and who knows how long this water pump has been leaking, you might find your burning coolant issue isn't anywhere near as bad as you think it is.

If you haven't used that additive yet, I think I'd hold off on it for a week or 2 at least just to see how much coolant you are actually losing now.