Water Pump Cleaning and Inspection

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

CAUTION: Refer to SAFETY GLASSES CAUTION .

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: Water Pump Inspection Areas
  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