How hard to change water pump on '99 5.3

Midnight · November 27, 2004

The water pump is leaking on my Silverado. How hard is it to change the water pump on a 5.3? Is it something that I could do by myself and get finished in an hour or so?

Also, where could I get a new pump? I've heard that the dealer is the only place you can get pumps for this engine. Are there any other places to get a new water pump?

facn8me · November 28, 2004

Here's a pic of the pump. Should give you an idea of how it unbolts. Everbody carries pumps. Have a good one

Midnight · November 28, 2004

Okay thanks, I guess the toughest part might be trying to get the fan off, and trying to find room to maneuver around and work between the radiator.

Thanks for the pic.

99silveradoz71 · November 28, 2004

Dealer replaced mine a few months ago, now I've got some sort of whistling in the cooling system. I had a gurgle shortly after the repair and they managed to get that quieted, now it's more of a whistle on acceleration 1500-2000rpm. Going back Monday to see if they can solve this one.

SteveCZ · December 7, 2004

Sounds like an air pocket in your heater core.... try overfilling the reservoir and leaving the cap loose but on the top of the reservoir bottle and drive it around for a while...

If that doesn't work, then take it in

99silveradoz71 · December 8, 2004

Hmm, not a bad idea. I know I've tried cycling it up to 3000rpm and back to idle with it uncapped before and that didn't help this time, but perhaps some regular driving with it loose might.