water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

[Francis F.]

ok while looking at the water pump one sees the 4 main bolts holding the pump go thru the bracket (yoke type) supporting the engine.My question is by removing the water pump mounting bolts,will this cause the engine to drop down ?.
What would be the proper procedure to remove & reinstall ??
Francis

[Dan D.]

Re: water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

Yes, it will. You have to support the front of the engine (a jack on the front of the pan - don't dent it - or the block). Permatex (or other gasket sealer) all 4 gaskets and torque the bolts. These are a natural to leak because of engine torque.

-Dan-

[Dennis C.]

Re: water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

You need to support the engine from the lip of the oil pan, not the oil pan itself. Trying to use the oil pan may leave you with a dented pan.

Search the forum for post by John Hinckley regarding water pump replacement. One of his posts has a photo of an engine support cradle that wraps around the oil pan and supports the engine from the oil pan lip.

Dennis

[Mike E.]

Re: water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

Get 4 bolts, each about an inch longer than the 4 holding the water pump to the block. Cut the head off and notch the end for a screwdriver to fit in. Take out each water pump bolt, one at a time, and screw in the corresponding cut off bolt. When all 4 are in, you can slide the water pump off and the block is still supported. Replace gaskets, slide pump back on, and replace with original bolts. You don't have to support it under the pan that way.

[Richard M.]

Re: water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

Some photos of the stud process I used recently Here and Here.

I used this method as the rearward gaskets were still fresh. If yours needs replacement you may want to do the support-the-engine method instead so you can replace all gaskets..

Rich

[Francis F.]

Re: water pump & radiator replacement 1960 vette.

thank"s to all ,the info is very helpful.I have an engine puller to support the front of the block I ve made the temp. studs and will attempt to remove the complete yoke /pump units to re-do all 4 gaskets....will let you know at the completion,
Francis ps great pics Richard.