I'm stuck in a water pump replacement on my 98 Malibu. I have everything
loose and the exhaust manifold removed with a clear view and access to the
water pump. All the bolts are removed and the pump is totally loose. The
only problem is the pump won't come out.
Seems like the pump is hung up on something but I don't know what it is.
Anyone have an idea. Could use the help.

Thanks,
Bruce

Assuming its on a 4 cylinder engine, have you
Removed the thermostat and coolant pipe inlet from the water pump housing?
Removed the brake booster booster vacuum hose from the camshaft housing.

Removed the timing chain housing cover and chain tensioner from the engine.

The timing chain tensioner must be removed to unload chain tension before
removing the water pump from the housing otherwise the water pump will
become jammed in the timing chain housing.
Bet you have not done this. That's why you cannot remove the water pump.

The days of the shade tree mechanic are gone.





"brucefurman" <airorsea (AT) nospamhotmail (DOT) com> wrote

I'm stuck in a water pump replacement on my 98 Malibu. I have everything
loose and the exhaust manifold removed with a clear view and access to the
water pump. All the bolts are removed and the pump is totally loose. The
only problem is the pump won't come out.
Seems like the pump is hung up on something but I don't know what it is.
Anyone have an idea. Could use the help.

Thanks,
Bruce

As Henri pointed out I have not removed the timing chain cover or
removed the timing chain tensioner yet. I am certain this the problem
and causing the jam. I have the 4 cylinder engine with the water pump
driven by the timing chain. Looks like I will have to check the Motors
or Chilton manual at the Library.
Thanks for the help.
Bruce

Ok, I was successful in replacing the water pump. I bought a Haynes
manual at an auto parts store, not a shop manual. The Haynes manual was
quite good actually, walked me through the whole process. In the end
you pull the timing chain cover to access the chain tensioner, pull the
right motor mount, pull the exhaust, inner fender and miscellaneous
connectors and hoses out of the way. Definately follow the manual as it
is possible to mess up the dual cam to cranshaft timing and then you
would be replacing an engine.
While I was at it I replaced the spark plugs and thermostadt as well.
Because you are at all those components during the water pump
replacement.
One bit of advice is to definately go with a new pump, not rebuilt, it
is only slightly more money.
Works great.
Bruce