COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM??!! - Third Generation Forum

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COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM??!!
Thursday, July 10, 2014 7:43 PM
ok i have a 1999 cavalier, 2.2 auto with 207239 miles, just put a good bit of $ into her, but my water pump just died ( i think) she got hot on me earlier ( not in the red, but close enough) , i shut her off imediatly, and i had water just rushing down my engine bay where the water pump is, , IM wondering if that actually is the case, and how hard would it be to replace it?? THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


got 99 problems and my cavys not 1

Re: COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM??!!
Thursday, July 10, 2014 9:01 PM
Thankfully you have the easiest water pump replacement out off all the motors offered in JBodies.
Its 4 bolts and the belt and shes off.
I would suggest jacking the motor up just a little bit from underneath on the lower dogbone mount until the water pump becomes easier to see/work with.
Can be a little bit of a struggle getting tools down there. When I replaced mine it cost me $54 at a local parts store but I have heard you can get them for cheaper.

There are youtube videos on how to replace it that I would suggest watching, if you are not sure, or if you have a haynes manual that helps.
While you are going to end up draining the entire system of coolant, I would consider replacing the thermostat as it is only usually $9 and you cannot go wrong with that, and refill with new coolant. (Also its kinda in the same area)

The water pump fins could have failed or the o-ring could have. (Thats what mine did). Make sure it is indeed the water pump because there is that giant water inlet into the head about a foot above that.
My model did not have AC but I have heard that might get in the way.

If you have the right tools and right place to do it, the procedure is pretty simple. Good luck!
Re: COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM??!!
Friday, July 11, 2014 4:33 AM
Definitely the easiest water pump you can do on these cars. I did mine in a driveway with no problems. Sounds like that's what your issue is if it got hot before it ran low on coolant.



"In Oldskool we trust"
Re: COOLING SYSTEM PROBLEM??!!
Sunday, July 13, 2014 8:41 PM
Hey thanks for the info!! shes back on the road and running better than ever!!!!!!


got 99 problems and my cavys not 1
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