Water Pump Replace

[elboberino]

Been a long time since I've posted here but the truck has been running great. Getting ready to hit 100K and driving all around California for a week so I thought I should do some maintenance before I go.

 

I lost my Chilton manual and I can't find a good description of what I need for changing out the water pump on my truck. Anybody know what I will need, about how long it will take, and exactly where it is? (Not much is distinguishable under the hood righ now, its all brown...gotta love Phoenix rain and dust storms all at the same time).

 

Anyways, a quick response to this would be much appreciated since I leave Friday around 3 and can only do the maintenance after work.

 

Thanks in advance guys and I like the changes to the forum....might have to post more often.

[C & A s Dad]

I have never replaced a wp on a 5.3 but I would encourage you to change the thermostat while you are at and for sure flush the cooling system and refill it with a 50/50 mix of Dex cool and water. We see many new Water Pumps come back because they are installed without the system being flushed. I would also tell you to look into Lubegard's product called Kool It. It is recommended by Modine Radiator co. and will help eliminate electrolysis, a major enemy of modern cooling systems.

[elboberino]

I've looked at some thermo's....go with the 160 degree or the 180 degree...and what the heck is the difference?

[C & A s Dad]

If you have not already done the job, you need to go with the factory temp on the stat which is 186 degrees. The only time you would want to play with this temp is if you had a custom tune and I cannot . In fact, I do not think you can even buy a 160 stat for this engine from a regular parts store. It would have to come from a perf store.

[OUMike]

I have an older 4.3, and was considering changing the thermostat myself. Where might that be located?