Water Pump R&r 6.0l Engine

[Geez]

I'm in the process of installing a new OEM water pump on 2004 Burb, 110k miles, 6.0L engine. (Using directions from "All Data"). Coolant leaking at gasket between water pump and engine block. There is no drain or petcock on radiator. Directions said to disconnect lower radiator hose to drain. What a mess. Anyway, the directions for filling cooling system is to open the cooling system bleeder screws. I think I've located the bleeder screws. Bleeder screws located at front of intake manifold and are connected to a rubber hose which vents back into the radiator. My question for those of you that have done a drain and fill on same setup...with bleeder screws open, how does one know when all the air is removed from the cooling system? Does the coolant begin to "leak" at the bleeder screws when they are opened while filling cooling system with coolant?

 

Thanks,

Terry

[the blur]

my 6.0 L is leaking from the water pump, I think.

the sway bar is wet, and then it leaks on the ground....

 

any hints on replacing the pump ?

[rogerf]

Bleeder screws located at front of intake manifold and are connected to a rubber hose which vents back into the radiator. My question for those of you that have done a drain and fill on same setup...with bleeder screws open, how does one know when all the air is removed from the cooling system? Does the coolant begin to "leak" at the bleeder screws when they are opened while filling cooling system with coolant?

 

Thanks,

Terry

The Impala I had came with these bleeders. Crack them open while filling. They will need to stay open with the engine running until it is up to temp where the t-stat opens and circulates coolant through the upper rad hose (hose will begin to feel hot to the touch). If not, you can get an air pocket that will prevent coolant circulation and possible heat-damage the engine. They will leak some coolant but usually not until you get circulation in the upper rad hose.

[rogerf]

my 6.0 L is leaking from the water pump, I think.

the sway bar is wet, and then it leaks on the ground....

 

any hints on replacing the pump ?

Replaced the water pump on my previous Chevy truck('97 w/ 4.3L V-6). Best thing you can do is make some space. It's not that difficult of a job, about a 6 on a 1 to 10 scale.

1). Take a few extra minutes to remove the radiator shroud and pull the radiator out of the vehicle, then cover the A/C condensor with protective cardboard. This will give enough room to literally stand under the hood in front of the engine to work.

2). If you have a belt driven fan, break the clutch bolts loose before removing the belt.

3). Spend the cash on the extra stuff such as a new belt, idler pully, belt tensioner, hoses, t-stat, etc... while the beast is apart so you most likely won't have to screw with it again. Don't forget the RTV silicone, loctite, and some spray cleaner to get the grease out of the way.