How to Install a Water Pump in a Chevy Corvette

Sports car engines are much different from sedan or compact car. Chevy Corvettes are built to be driven hard and fast--not just to and from ballet lessons. That's why sports cars need special attention when they begin to leak coolant or overheat. This is usually a signal that the water pump is going out, a problem you can fix yourself.

Instructions

Extract the Old Pump

1

Open the hood, use a screwdriver to unscrew the clamp that connects the negative battery cable to the battery post and remove the cable.

2

Activate the parking brake, place cinder blocks behind the back wheels and then carefully jack up your Chevy Corvette. Use the jack stands to help support the jack.

3

Uncap the radiator slowly to release pressure. Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator, just behind the grill. Place an empty container under the drain plug, remove the plug using an adjustable wrench and drain the radiator. Discard the fluid safely in an airtight container.

4

Extract the water pump by removing the parts positioned in front of it with an adjustable wrench. This includes the wiring harness from the intake air temperature and mass air flow sensors, air intake ducts, drive belt, inlet, outlet and heater hoses connected to the water pump. Remove the four bolts securing the water pump pulley.

5

Unbolt the six bolts holding the water pump to the Chevy Corvette's engine. Remove the pump. Inspect the mount area for cracks and other damage.

6

Clean the mount area of any gasket remnants or sealant pieces, dirt and coolant. Use a clean shop rag.

Install the New Pump

7

Place high temperature automotive sealant on the new water pump, in a position that coordinates to the old gasket mount on the engine. Position the gasket, tabs up, on the sealant on the pump and hold it in place as you mount the new water pump on the side of the Chevy Corvette's engine.

8

Tighten the six new bolts in any order, using a torque wrench while the sealant is still wet to obtain a better hold. Use two rounds of tightening, first 11 foot pounds of torque and then 22 foot pounds of torque.

9

Reconnect the rest of the Chevy Corvette's parts in the order you took them off. When installing the pulley bolts, use a torque wrench and two rounds of tightening: 89 inch pounds and then an additional 18 foot pounds of torque on all four bolts. Inspect the accessory drive belt and replace if it appears worn or damaged.

10

Replace the drain plug to the bottom of the radiator. Refill the radiator with the type and amount of coolant specified in your owner's manual. Replace the radiator's cap, remove the jack stands, release the jack and move the cinder blocks.

11

Connect the negative battery cable and tighten it to the post with the screwdriver. Start the Chevy Corvette's engine and check for leaks. Then, close the hood and clean up any spilled coolant.