Water Pump Cleaning and Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION in Cautions and Notices.

Remove the old gasket material from the water pump sealing surfaces.
Clean all the dirt and any debris from the water pump.
Inspect the water pump for the following:
- Leakage or damage to the housing cover or gasket (1)
- Excessive scratches or gouging to the gasket sealing surfaces (2)
- Leakage from the water pump vent hole (3)
  A stain around the vent hole is acceptable. If leakage occurred (dripping) with the engine operating and the cooling system pressurized, then replace the water pump.
  
  Fig 1: Inspecting Water Pump
  Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
- Damaged bolt hole threads (4)
- Excessive side-to-side movement of the water pump shaft (5)
- Leakage around the water inlet pipe (6)
- Leakage around the heater hose pipe (7)
- Restrictions within the internal coolant passages